Releasing Self-Doubt

I have been doing Morning Pages which I learned about in “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. I’m sure some of you have heard of it. Basically, she suggests every morning, first thing, you should write three pages of everything in your mind. Kind of a stream of consciousness journal. I usually do it after I get my coffee. I started off doing the three pages and then was just giving myself 15 minutes, but I found I didn’t feel like I was getting enough out, so I’ve gone back to three pages. It’s just the right amount. I feel like it is helpful at clearing the noise in my head. All the things I think I need to remember, worries or just crazy random stuff. 

The second part is to do affirmations, first writing down the negative thoughts you have about yourself and then switching it up and writing positives. 

These are just the start of the journey through her book. I’m working my way through it. 

I struggle with the positives, not that I’m not a positive person, but not always about myself. I’m sure like many of you, it feels strange to talk to myself that way. Like “I’m a great writer.” Or “I am strong and capable of doing ‘xyz’.” 

Insightful Focus

There are many ways you can journal. It doesn’t have to be a Dear Diary kind of journal, but it can be. I still have my Holly Hobby diary from when I was a kid. It’s funny to look at what I wrote, what was important at that time in my life. I actually love my art journal. I love to create things that represent how I’m feeling or just trying things out. I never thought of myself as artistic, but I’m finding my way. 

• Art journal, sketching, painting, collage, doodling
• A combination of both art and writing.
• Bullet journaling
• Gratitude journal
• Travel journaling
• Manifesting journal
• Project journaling
• Fitness or food journal
• Daily log
• Or even just a list

Also, don’t get me started on the types of actual journals, notebooks, pens and pencils. I have a love of office supplies and a stack of blank journals waiting for me. I can’t help myself. Give me the perfect pen and I’m a happy girl. Right now for writing it’s the Pilot Dr. Grip, medium point, black ink. 

Finding Yourself in the Present Moment

Journaling in any form can help clear your mind and bring you to the moment. 

I’m going to make journaling a part of my daily routine. Schedule it as some time for myself. Maybe combining a few of these types of journaling within the same notebook, or even on the same page, wow, I’m bending all the rules, lol. 

Remember it’s for you. You can share if you want to, but you don’t have to. There are LOTS of people sharing their journals on YouTube, it can be intimidating. They are beautiful, but I will not be able to make my journal look like theirs, I just won’t. And that’s ok, it’s mine. Just for me. 

Remember – Be kind to yourself.