This is the last blog in the January series of making stuff simple and it’s all about creating the imperfect journal
For those of you that know me you will know that I find it difficult to use my hands without suffering pain and so I often dictate journal entries and print them off. Sometimes, and it’s very rare, I manage a scribble or write a sentence.
I used to get quite frustrated that I couldn’t do the regular type of journalling but have come to accept that if it’s something I want to do I have to make it as simple as possible.
The pressure to have the all singing beautifully covered, and perfectly illustrated journal has become the norm and I thought that perhaps we could change that norm and make it simple and honest.
After all, Journalling is meant to alleviate stress and help you to work through the highs and lows, those anxious feelings and difficult situations. It’s not meant to be another added pressure to your life.
So why not make yours simple with these four tips;
1️⃣ You don’t have to buy a specific journal from an expensive shop. You can buy a £1 notebook from your local supermarket or rummage around your room and come up with an old scribble pad.
2️⃣ Literally use it as a scribble book. It doesn’t have to be perfect with ideal drawings or neat writing.
3️⃣ Write down what comes up for you on a post-it note or a piece of paper. Little bits of paper can be torn off, written on and stuck into your book when you have the time.
4️⃣ Make it real… The worse it is the better it is. It’s about you and your content not about others and the quality.
Those of you that are perfectionists might find all this a little difficult so be gentle with yourself, give yourself some compassion and perhaps give it a go.
How does this sound to you? Does it feel a bit easier? Let me know your thoughts on it.
So... as I said earlier this is the last blog in the making January stuff simple. I hope that you have enjoyed the series and don’t forget that if you trigger some difficult emotions remember to look after yourself. Some ways in which you can do this are by journalling what comes up for you, talking to a trusted friend or seeking counselling.
If you want to make an appointment for counselling then you can give me a call on 07478754839.
Don’t struggle alone!