5 Things I learned from writing a daily journal for a month

1. You don't need to write everyday.

Writing everyday was a great practice and it was a good way to build the habit. But after a month, I got burnt out. That only goes to show that we are human. Even though we are doing something that we are passionate about on a daily basis, we can get tired. And that's okay. Taking a break is okay and not to mention, it's also very important.

Other people may encourage you to write every single day no matter what, but if it's something that doesn't work for you, it's okay. You don't have to pressure yourself. If you can't write everyday, it doesn't make you less of a person. Do what works for you, what's right for you and what makes you feel good.

2. It declutters the mind.

I have days (like this one) when I can't process my thoughts. Everything's just floating in my brain and I don't know what to do with them. Writing helps me tremendously. Sometimes, when I start typing, I can't stop. I even forget to use my punctuations, I use english and tagalog interchangeably and I get my spellings wrong, but nevertheless, I keep going. Because this leads me to my third point...

3. It puts things in perspective.

Writing is like a mirror...but for the mind and soul. Once I finish dumping all my thoughts into the open (lol) I read it and let me tell yah, you get to realize things about yourself. Therapy is expensive...which is why I feel like this is the closest it can get to therapy (and can I just add, journaling has been recommended by therapists too). The only difference is that in therapy, you get to talk to someone and that person dissects how you feel. When you write, you get to discover your own self. You get to dig deep into why things may be happening the way they are. You come face to face with your truth. And hopefully, it helps you to take a positive action on things you need to. 

4. I learned to be more grateful.

When I write, I mostly recall my day which helps me see the little things that make up the big part of my day. You know when they say, everything happens for a reason? Those reasons come up once I start writing.

5. Progress is better than perfection.

Before starting this online diary, I was actually afraid to write personal journals. This is mostly because I didn't know where to begin, and I was afraid of using the wrong words. But as the days go by, I've come to realize that it's not how well versed you are...it's simply about getting the words out... If you haven't started journaling or you want to start soon, the best way to begin is to write whatever you want. There's no right or wrong way to begin. They are your thoughts after all. You don't even have to write in full sentences. At the end of the day, it's really up to you. And once you keep doing it on a regular basis, you'll be in a state of amazing flow.

Everything I've shared here is based on my personal experience of course. Journaling is a different journey for everyone.

If you want to start a journal but you're feeling lost and you don't know how to, I shared my own take on how to easily start a journal! Click here ☺️