5 Benefits of Keeping a Journal

The benefits of keeping a journal span from improved immunity to business success. Journals are both a place to brain storm and a treasure chest to hold wisdom and knowledge. Journals are a place to pray, reflect, and clarify. They anchor us in the present and leave a legacy for future generations.

There are three things to leave behind: your photographs, your library, and your personal journals. These things are certainly going to be more valuable to future generations than your furniture! – Jim Rohn

1. Boost Immunity and Improve Health – It is becoming increasingly clear that ignoring or stuffing our feelings leads to a myriad of symptoms and dis-ease. One way to process our feelings is to journal. Studies done by Psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker confirm that regular journaling strengthens immune cells. Research also indicates that keeping a journal decreases the symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Provide a Framework for Personal Development – Having a morning routine is one of the most powerful ways to manifest your goals, dreams and desires. Most are familiar with personal growth tools such as goal setting, visualization or affirmations. Yet many have not developed a system to implement them. (Read here for tips on how create a successful morning routine). Having a journal template and system for using it can make a big difference. For example, I create a mini vision board on the inside cover.  Every time I open my journal I see images that evoke positive feelings and remind me of my goals. Another example is,  I place a list of my desires on the left page opposite from a page dedicated to the declaration/action I am committed to make. (get FREE journal template below)
3. Give Focus and Clarity –  When we journal we can direct our thoughts and emotions. We can clarify what we value. We can define our goals and vision. The book of Habakkuk in the Bible tells us to write the vision and make it plain so it can be implemented.

Then the Lord answered me and said,
“Write the vision
And engrave it plainly on [clay] tablets
So that the one who reads it will run.” – Habakkuk 2:2

Plans that are written clearly can be followed and put into action. Perhaps this is why so many great inventors and leaders kept journals. John Adams, John D. Rockefeller, Benjamin Franklin, George Patton, Ronald Reagan and Oprah are just a few of them.

4.  Spark Creativity – In the book, The Artist Way by Julia Cameron daily “writing pages”
are considered the key for unlocking the artist within all of us. The simple act of writing
three pages of anything each day begins to open the floodgates of creativity. 

“Remember, there is a creative energy that wants to express itself through you”;”
― Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity

5.  Grow in Faith and Hear from God – I saved what I consider the best for last!  This
aspect of keeping a journal has changed my life the most.  After reading the
book Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch, I was moved to experience
that type of intimacy with God.  I was excited to ask God questions and actually get direct answers.  I have loved God and been a woman of prayer for decades.  But when I began the habit of asking God questions about my life, listening with expectation and being open to write I felt a power flow through me I had never before experienced.  I began to get ideas and answers to questions I had never thought about in the past.  Keeping a journal in this way made my morning routine and my relationship with God so much deeper!  All I can say is try it you’ll like it.

7 Keys For Manifesting Your Goals Using a Journal

1. Decide.  Make this a priority.  Put it on your schedule.
2. Make it a Habit. Commit to writing 3 pages every day even when you don’t feel like it. 
3. Write your Desires. Psalms 34 says God gives us the desires of our heart. First you must know what they are. Many have been taught that desires are “bad”.  I love the root of the word De and Sire (of the Father).
4. Write your Affirmations – write them in positive present tense.  The most powerful affirmations begin with “I AM”  
5. Write your Declarations/Actions – a declaration is even stronger than a goal.  What actions are you committed to take until the goal, dream or desire is realized?
6. Ask Empowering Questions – Some of my favorites are, “What is the most important action I can take today to advance in the direction of my goals, dreams and desires?”, “What must I do today to be great?” Replace why questions such as “Why is this happening to me?” with how questions. An example of a how question is, “How can I earn an extra $1000 this month?”.
7. Cultivate Gratitude – develop the habit of noticing the things you are thankful for.  Write a least 3 new things each day.  Gratitude improves our health, breaks a sense the sense of lack and increases our level of joy.

Conclusion- My Experience

This is a picture of my journal collection from the last 30 years.  I consider it a treasure.  In these journals I can see my personal growth.  My life story is not lost.  My prayers and all the miracles I have experience are on this shelf.  Keeping a journal has been one of the greatest spiritual practice in my life.  Keeping a journal has played a huge role in my business success.The practice of journaling has grown my faith and has helped me understand myself and others. I pray you have been inspired to begin keeping a journal. When you do please share your story  in the comments below