Journaling: The Power of Reflection
Now that we are over a month into the new school year, it is the perfect time to reflect. In the midst of school, it is easy to get overwhelmed; seniors may be overwhelmed with college applications, juniors with AP’s and building their resumes, sophomores with getting good grades, and freshmen with making friends. Throughout all of this, there remains one constant: the need to step back, take a breath, and recoup. Reflecting on our past week is a fitting way to do just that, as journaling allows us to organize our thoughts and experiences.
By the weekend, many of us feel stuffed with innumerous unresolved feelings and thoughts, and it can be extremely beneficial for our nervous systems if we sit down and take time to process them. Journaling allows us to label what we are feeling, what may have caused those feelings, and what we want to do about them in the future. It presents a tangible, simplified thinking structure to us that helps in bringing calm to our stressed internal worlds, stripping our perceptions of chaos and installing order in its wake.
However, many people get caught up in confusion surrounding how they ought to journal. While the internet is swarmed with an abundance of different journaling practices and theories, in reality, journaling is completely individualistic. One can go about it any way they want. The key, therefore, is to find the journaling structure that works best for yourself. Whether that be journaling about what you’re grateful for in the morning or what you’re worried about at night, the only thing that matters is that you gain clarity and peace from putting your thoughts on paper. Just jump in, and let your own need for reflection guide the topics you write about.
If you cannot find your footing when it comes to journaling, it may be valuable to start off by using this structure of mine. First, make a list of whatever has been on your mind the most pressingly. Take that list, and create a plan to mitigate the stress surrounding those bullet points by putting any necessary tasks or reminders onto your calendar. Then, create a list of things you are worried about. If you can, below the list, write about times when you had those same worries and everything worked out okay. After this, write out any affirmations that you connect with. Then, create a map of your goals, defining them and any steps you can take this upcoming week to come closer to achieving them. Finally, create a list of what you are grateful for, including as much detail as you want. As you start journaling with a structure such as this one, customize the process however you desire.
In all, the benefits of journaling are far worth the time spent as it helps in gaining a clearer understanding of the week that has passed as well as a readiness to face the upcoming one. Journaling has the power to refresh minds with clarity as thoughts are organized, and it arms people with a plan for the future. Many think it may be the key to success.
— Emma Andrzejewski, President
