The power of reflective journaling is undeniable. Reflective journaling involves the regular practice of recording activities and/or situations with the goal of achieving personal and professional growth by reflecting on those experiences and engaging in self-discovery.
I am and have always been a lover of journaling. When I learned about the concept of reflective journaling I knew I had found my bliss. Now when I journal it is with a greater purpose. Not only do I capture where I am in the moment, I also write with to look back and reflect on that moment so that it becomes part of my growth process and a tool for prioritizing my next steps.
Reflective journaling is like a coaching session that uses guided questions to help you get started. You journal about a particular event, situation, or season in your life.
You can begin reflective journaling by asking yourself 4 simple questions.
- What are my learning goals (for this event, workshop, career, etc.)?
- What are my thoughts and feelings about the learning experience (before, during and after)?
- What happened? Describe the experience (event, relationship, situation, etc.).
- What do I still need to learn?
During a workshop that I hosted “Called to Something Greater, Answering Your Call to Lead” I walked participants through the purpose and steps for reflective journaling. Reflective journaling does not come easy to everyone. In fact some people find the idea of writing boring. Here are some fun ways that you can jazz up your reflective journaling time using color and inspirational words.
Selecting Your Book for Reflective Journaling
These are pictures of four of my journals. Each one represents different parts of my life. I purchased these from TJMaxx which has a wonderful selection. Each journal was carefully selected and has a quote, saying or scripture that speaks to my heart and the area of my life that I use it for.
The journals pictured include:
Gratitude – Every night I write things that I am grateful for. I include personal and professional things to make sure I have balance in my day. Sometimes I answer the question, What is the best thing that happened to me today? Once I write in this journal I typically call the night a wrap. It allows me to drift off to sleep with the last thoughts being about something positive. [tweetthis]My gratitude journal allows me to see that even if it was a challenging day there is good in everything.[/tweetthis]
Reflective Prayer Journal – This is where I record my conversations with God and the things I have taken to him in prayer. Once I began to view this process as reflective journaling I intentionally go back to see where I’ve been, answered prayers, what I learned, and how I did or can use that wisdom to make decisions going forward.
Blog – My blog journal is the purple one that reads “Why fit in when you were born to stand out.” This reflective journal I use to capture my thoughts for blogging since they come anytime or anyplace.
Writing Instruments
It might sound trivial but your writing instrument is a very important part of reflective journaling. Think of it as using your favorite pen, the one you hate to lend. These gel pens I purchased from Walmart. They make the process of writing more enjoyable, the colors inspire creativity and playfulness, and the entire experience is relaxing. I use more of my brain, not just the analytical side.
Self-Discovery
As a result of adding color and inspiring words my reflective journals have taken on a different energy and I can tell that my soul, mind and spirit have become more engaged in the process. I truly enjoy the process of using color and creativity as inspiration to document my journey in living color. If you are looking for ways to improve your life and engage in self-discovery I urge you to give reflective journaling a try. Share your thoughts about reflective journaling with me on my Facebook page. Just click share my thoughts.
Yours in health & vitality,
Tamara
#PREPARED #SHINE #PRAISE