#refine

Life lesson ~

We all need some space to run freely, be bare, feel real, and witness ourselves without any restraints. There are many ways to do this, one of which is journalling.

The Beginnings:

For me, journalling is a practice where I set myself free. It's a space where no one is watching me and I voice my experiences unfiltered - exactly the way it feels to me. I needn't worry if my perspective conflicts with someone else's or if my words hurt another; because this is MY space, and here, only my experiences matter.

During the first few months of journalling, I'd title my entries with "THOUGHT DUMP" - as if I was informing an unseen, superlative force that these thoughts were just a pile of discarded reflections, for I didn't want to face the consequences of opening up. Eventually, I no longer felt the need to title it so, because I started owning these experiences.

Journalling has truly allowed me to break free from my own restraints and think beyond who I had become. It became a space without pretence, where I didn’t need to mould myself into a character that would be liked. In fact, the most transformative, and insightful moments came when I showed up exactly as I was - raw, fumbling, confused, furious, raging, sad or disappointed.

Stream of Consciousness Journalling:

I learned to journal freely and openly after reading The Artists' Way by Julia Cameron. While I don't remember every detail from the book, one idea stayed with me: writing first thing in the morning, without overthinking—just emptying the mind.

You see, our creative energy can feel blocked by our thoughts. When we put those thoughts on paper, they no longer take up space in our minds. Thoughts are abstract and tangled, but once articulated, they feel like they’ve been neatly ironed, folded into boxes, and sent away - feeling light and relieved.

To get into the habit, I would set a timer for about 30 minutes and write whatever came into my mind. The topic, theme and flow didn't matter. Now, journalling has become such an integral part of my day, that I often do so, to understand what's stopping me from pursuing my endeavours.

Making Space for What Might Show Up:

Journalling is the practice of unearthing. When we feel blocked, it's often not because we don’t know what’s holding us back—it’s because we do know, but we aren’t ready to face it

At such times, it is crucial to extend compassion to our resistance. Our resistance believes it's protecting us, but in reality, it's keeping us from being accountable. Instead, when you befriend this resistance, it can open up to show you where you're blocked and what you can do about it.

When I’m afraid of facing what might show up during the journalling session, I assure myself: No matter what I uncover, I will not judge myself. I will not put myself down. I will support myself to move forward.

This self-assurance has been the foundation of my trust in myself.

Making the Practice Yours:

Journalling isn't just about writing. You can make it fun, creative and eventful just how you like it. You can use your favourite colours, stickers or newspaper cuttings to add a visual landscape to your entry.

Additionally, you can put on your favourite music, and dance a little to get into the flow of the moment before you journal. You can sit with your favourite drink while you're journalling, creating your own ritual. Your journalling session is your mood, and you can set up the practice as you please.

Final Thoughts:

Journalling can feel difficult when you're not ready to face yourself. But when you use it as a tool for reflection and growth, it becomes an indispensable practice—one that refines your attitude, beliefs, thought processes, and interactions with the world.

It creates space for who you are, and what you can become.

You always know what you need. But sometimes, you are the only one stopping yourself from getting it. Journalling can help you get out of your own way.

Points of Reflection:

Getting Started

In a notebook, write today’s date.

Set a timer for 10 minutes and write whatever comes to mind. No one is watching. There is no one to perform for.

What are you writing about? Does it feel natural or forced?

Exploring Your Inner Barriers

What are some topics you’d like to journal about but have hesitated to?

Why do you feel afraid to uncover what you already know?

What emotions arise when you think about confronting these thoughts?

Understanding Resistance & Accountability

Does admitting something in writing make you feel accountable?

Does accountability terrify you? If so, why?

How does your resistance try to protect you? Is it truly serving you, or is it holding you back?

Self-Compassion & Moving Forward

How can you assure yourself that no matter what you uncover, you will not judge yourself?

What words of kindness would you offer a friend who is struggling with self-reflection? Can you extend the same kindness to yourself?

What small step can you take today to support yourself in your journey of self-awareness?

When you uncover new insights through journaling, you don’t need to act on them immediately. Give yourself time to sit with the idea, get comfortable with it, and let it settle. Once you’ve processed it, you can create an action plan to decide how you want to move forward.