Journaling: the hobby you didn’t know you were missing
If your Google searches lately sound like “list of hobbies,” “fun hobbies for teens,” etc., look no further. This is the hobby you’ve been looking for, and might be the one you need.
A bold statement, I know. But hear me out. First of all, it’s something you can start doing as soon as you’re done reading this captivating article. All it requires is a pen and paper if you’re an old soul, or a laptop if you’re partial to QWERTY, or a voice recorder if you happen to not cringe at the sound of your own voice. And, it’s something that over time will give you the swagger and conviction we all strive for. Ready to hear what it is? *Drum roll*… it’s journaling!
Okay, so the title up there may have spoiled the punchline. And yes, on a long list of hobbies, journaling may not stand out as the star. There’s going outdoors, drawing, working out, blah, blah, blah. But journaling is the dark horse. It’s the unsung hero. Which makes it cool.
Also, they’re not mutually exclusive. You can journal outdoors. You can draw in your journal. You’re working out your hand muscles when you write. Basically, you can do it all.
But enough, let’s get down to brass tacks. Let’s talk about one of the most important questions you will ever have to answer: What’s your story?
Does that question excite you? Then journaling is DEFINITELY the hobby for you.
Does it terrify you? Same answer. In fact, it’s a hobby that can actually help us feel less afraid.
There’s an inner turmoil that we feel when we don’t know who we are. We may not feel it at the surface, but it’s there. Festering. And we can run from that feeling and avoid the questions, because “ignorance is bliss,” right?
Definitely. But the bliss doesn’t last. Because when we don’t know who we are, we have no choice but to follow the crowd. We make decisions based on fitting in, not who we are. Do that enough times and we begin to doubt ourselves more and more, and that feeling becomes harder to shake. Lack of self-knowledge grows like a weed and always catches up with us, one way or another.
So let’s not do that. Let’s journal instead. Let’s make an effort to find answers. And let’s have fun doing it! Because at the end of the day, is there anything more fun or more important than self-empowerment?
Here are the 5 benefits of journaling we’ll be covering:
Self-reflection
Self-development
Self-confidence
Self-expression
Self-acceptance
Let’s start by taking a look behind door number one.
Self-reflection
Imagine leaving your house in the morning and not looking in the mirror once. What a dangerous game you would be playing. Your hair might be a mess, there might be spinach in your teeth from that omelette you just ate. Or worse, what if an evil sibling shaved off one of your eyebrows? Better go check, just in case.
Journaling is a mirror for the soul. We check in with ourselves, looking inward and allowing our inner voice to be heard. We observe and listen with a kind ear, like we would for a friend. We pop the hood to see what’s underneath and hear what we have to say.
Self-development
Let’s beat a dead horse with the mirror metaphor. If we notice our hair’s a mess, we fix it! Spinach in our teeth? We grab the floss. We do a little upkeep before we head out and conquer the day.
That upkeep is a no-brainer. But how often do we do a little upkeep of our character?
It’s pertinent that we do. And we do that by asking ourselves questions. Instead of how our face looks, we kindly ask how we’re doing. What are some areas where I can grow? What mistakes have I been making lately? And how can I do better in the future? By reflecting on our slips and our struggles, we take control and put ourselves in an ideal position to do something about them.
Self-confidence
So you fixed your hair and you brushed your teeth and now you look at yourself and say, “Hey! I look GOOD!” It’s incredible what a trusty comb and toothbrush can do for our confidence.
In addition to the dynamic comb-and-toothbrush duo, knowledge is a powerful tool. And that rings truest for self-knowledge. We empower ourselves when we take the time to listen to that inner voice: the voice that lets us know what we think and feel, what values we hold dear, and what we believe. And when we know these things about ourselves, we stand stronger and taller because we actually know what we stand for.
Self-expression
Now with this sense of confidence, you step out into the world. Correction - you don’t step. You strut. You know your hair looks good. You know that if you smile, you won’t get laughed at. Because you took the time at home, you don’t worry about it as you face the world. You’re free to just be you.
With self-knowledge and self-confidence comes the freedom of expressing ourselves. The doubts, fears, and all of the other negative thoughts in our heads that suffocate us start to fade to the background. And then we hear our truths. We speak those truths. And we feel free.
Above all else, we need to honestly express ourselves. It’s as vital to us as breathing.
Self-acceptance
After checking in and all the upkeep, our confidence and expression become a pattern, and this new habit is what allows us to love ourselves completely. We fully recognize the person looking back at us in the mirror. We know who we are. And it’s a good feeling..
The more we do this, the more we accept ourselves. And we’re proud to be exactly that: Ourselves. Authentic. Honest. And the strength people say exists in vulnerability - something we may have questioned in the past - then becomes attainable, because we have given ourselves permission to unapologetically be ourselves from a place of self-knowledge and assurance. When we put in that work, we become shining influences on the people around us and inspire them to do the same. We become storytellers. We become leaders.
So, what’s your story? Journaling is a hobby that helps us answer that question. It helps us remember the people and places that have impacted us most, what we’ve been through, and what we’ve learned along the way. Journaling is a mirror - but after a while, it becomes a compass. As you recollect your memories and put the pieces of the puzzle together, you see who you are, but you also understand who you want to be. You become the author of your life, ready to make choices and decide where your story will go next. And that’s power money can’t buy. It’s power that lives inside you right now. Waiting.
So start writing.
And no need to reinvent the wheel: the PLUS ME Project journal is built to be your partner in crime on your journey! It’s loaded with prompts that pave the way for you to tell your story. Take the time to allow yourself to be heard. Reflect, write, and share your story with the world. Have fun!
