It’s been tough lately.

I don’t know what to write sometimes. Often, there are so many things that pulsate through my thoughts that I can’t get a single thing out.

It’s tough. I really love writing and journaling. I’ve kept a journal since I was around 8 years old, and still have a lot of them to this day.

When it comes to building upon your well-being, I believe that journaling is important.

Journaling allows you to speak uninhibited. It’s for your eyes only, free from judgement or ridicule. I never had a diary with a lock and key but I always wanted one.

At this point in my life, I get so easily caught up in my head and feelings that it’s like I don’t *want* to journal. It’s too painful to face what will hurt me everyday regardless. It’s overwhelming.

Even still, I think journaling is crucial to analyzing oneself in times of hardship. I can look back to a multiple periods in my life and a lot of notes read, “I’m so frustrated”.

Instead of putting more pressure on myself, I follow through in a more attainable way.

I’ve kept “to-do books” for over a decade. Those easy carry size, fat little notebooks with a colored cover. I make my list each day, but also add doodles, emotions, life events, reminders, even prayers. I have a system for knowing if I accomplished my goals or not and frequently write my mantra or self boosting thoughts (you are beautiful, stay focused, you’re doing so good, keep it up, etc. Good things!).

So if you’re like me and you just can’t sit down for 10 minutes and write freely right now; try a simpler version like a 2 minute entry on a paper towel. It doesn’t matter what. Although ideally you want to keep these entries for future referrals.

Looking back to help us move forward.