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An Inconsistent Journaling Journey Still Makes You a Journaler

My journaling journey started in high school, the Dear Diary style of journaling where you share your thoughts about friends, school, boyfriends, etc. I was on an inconsistent journaling journey and had months where I did not write anything. I also bounced around from journal to journal. Sometimes it was full stories and others were just a few lines about the day or situation. Some of my journals were filled with doodles and drawings, more of an art journal of sorts.

Keep your journals

To be completely honest, I don’t have any of my journals from that time in my life. Writing back then was something I did for fun and I did not see a reason nor have a need to keep them. Most of my journals were lost in my life’s transitions and travels and a few of them were ruined in a flood in my parents storage shed. I lost many childhood things in that flood. Looking back now it would be interesting to read some of those entries, especially for pivotal moments in my life like my high school boyfriend, cosmetology customers, prom, graduation, etc. I remember writing about all of these moments but not specifics. Note to self…keep your journals.

“Even with all these gaps in my journaling I still consider myself a journaler.”

JAIME JO FREEMAN @RestoreYourSparkle

Gaps don’t matter

Even with all these gaps in my journaling I still consider myself a journaler. My journaling has changed and evolved though the years. I have come to understand that keeping a journal is more than just day to day events. To me journaling is a place to collect your thoughts, memories, plans, goals and dreams. It has become my go to place to hash out confusing thoughts or scribble out frustrations; my safe place to listen to my own thoughts and shut out the noise.

Why Journal

Why do I keep a journal? It is to remember who I am, to connect to myself and build confidence in my own voice. As an introvert it can take me a while to find my words when asked my opinion or to give advice. This is when my journal is there for me to write my first thoughts and then reframe them so it makes sense when I respond. Another reason why I journal and probably the most important reason is for self-care. Self-care is so necessary but often overlooked or not made a priority. Once I realized how much I need self-care in my life it clicked how much I need to journal.

Practice Grace

Even today I don’t open my journal as much as I’d like, but I know where it is when I need to. I give myself grace for the days I miss when I am focusing on trying to be more consistent. Remembering to keep a simplicity mindset when journaling helps me to connect more with my journey. I believe I am still a journaler even if I do not write daily or if I still bounce from journal to journal. Journaling is my self-care practice that gives me peace with who I am.  And I am happy with that.

Do you feel called to start a journal but don’t know where to start? Do you need a little encouragement to get pen to paper again? I invite you to follow my community at Restore Your Sparkle on Facebook and Instagram for inspiration, tips and techniques for your journaling practice.

 If you have questions please email me at jj@restoreyoursparkle.com, I would love to connect with you and support you on your inconsistent journaling journey.

Jaime Jo Freeman

Jaime Jo is a daughter, sister, friend, a wife and mom to 2 beautiful young girls. She was born in California, grew up in Las Vegas and now lives the Midwest life in Missouri. She enjoys turning little moments into big memories for her family. She loves hot tea, her current journal, and a cozy blanket. She has a large collection of bookmarks, key chains and earrings. Jaime Jo is a Journaling Mentor, helping women create a journaling practice that fits into their season of life. As mom’s we tend to give our all to others and may even forget what we love to do for ourselves. She uses the power of journaling to bring what they love back into their lives. Her message is “When you can’t do more of what you love, journal about it.” Her hope is to show women a place they can turn and be themselves, use their voice and explore who they are in the pages of their journal. Find more info at www.restoreyoursparkle.com. Jaime Jo is passionate about connecting, encouraging and holding space for others to be themselves. She believes we all do our best with what we have and what we know. Being kind is huge in our world today and creating the life you want comes from within. Be the YOU no one else can be.

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