The power of journaling is undeniable. How can journaling inspire you to organize your home, life and mind? Journaling helps you to have direction in your writing. If you can sit with it and allow your thoughts and your pen to flow you will be surprised at what will come up for you.
Having a safe place to work things out or through is so beneficial. Our thoughts and beliefs about the process of organizing and decluttering can actually hold us back from doing the work or believing that we can make a change.
There is something to be said about getting our thoughts out of our heads and down on paper and into a place where we can examine them and make a plan from them. Being honest with ourselves and questioning some of our beliefs is where our power lies and will help us to change our mindset and perspective on a situation.
For example: This is the first question in The Decluttering Journal
What I love about my clutter is………
Your first thought might be “I don’t love anything about my clutter, why would I love it”. However, there are reasons why and benefits that you may not have thought about.
“My stuff helps me to feel safe and comfortable”
“My treasures are pretty and nice to look at”
“It helps me to remember my past and are a connection to my family”
“My stuff give me a feeling of security – it can’t hurt me“
“I am in my happy place when I am surrounded by my stuff”
No wonder this can be complicated. Right! On the one hand its causing me to feel overwhelmed or chaotic but on the other hand I feel these other positive feelings. Ugh! What do I do?
Thinking about what I can do to make things easier for today is where our superpower lies. It can feel so enlightening, empowering and gives us a sense of control over our stuff.
“Once you understand what’s holding you back the path forward becomes more clear”
This Journaling Practice will help you to uncover what is holding your back from decluttering your life and mind. The prompts will inspire you to make a plan to work on the areas in your home and life that are stressing you out. The daily “to do list” helps you to think through what you have accomplished the day before and leads you to think about the important things to focus your attention on today. It’s time to take action on your goals.
Happy Journaling!
I think journaling is a great way to get our feelings out where we can see them. That sounds silly, since they are our own thoughts, which we clearly know about, but sometimes seeing our feelings in print changes the way we view them. For instance, we can see where our emotions are in conflict with one another. We can also choose to rank our feelings/priorities, which helps us to choose next steps.
I am old fashioned, loving things done with a pencil and paper. The very process is visceral, touching me in a way that typing does not. Wonderful way to encourage someone along the decluttering journey!
Thank you Seana – I agree that there is something about pencil/pen and paper. It took me awhile before I could even write a blog post directly onto the computer. I think of journaling as a personal journey and ritual.
I’m all about writing things down. Journaling is an excellent way for me to figure out the best plan. Thank you for your suggestions.
Thanks Sabrina, Yes, I totally agree that Journaling can help us with figuring out the best plan. Maybe through brainstorming as well if needed.
I agree, Kim. Journaling is a great way to think through our thoughts and our reasons for doing certain things.
Thank you Diane, Yes so true! I find it very effective.
Journaling is a wonderful practice. What can arise when you allow yourself to write freely is pretty spectacular. I journal regularly in my personal and meditation journals.
I also attend monthly virtual retreats where we meditate, are given a prompt, and then do a free write post-meditation. It is fascinating to see what bubbles up.
I’m excited for you and this new journal you launched. All the best of success, Kim!
Thank you so much for your wisdom and your support Linda.
Intellectually, I know the power of journaling, but practically, I’ve never been able to embrace it because, whatever I’m “supposed” to be journaling about, feels vague. As an organizer, decluttering isn’t my problem issue, but I love that your journal offers prompts, because I think that if I were trying to journal about organizing challenges, prompts would be the key to preventing me from feeling like I had nothing to write. And identifying what positive attributes the clutter brings to the equation allows the individual to face the truth, head-on. There’s a wisdom in your approach that most people would miss. Great job!
Thank you Julie – Journaling is not for everyone! Thank you for the nice compliment. It makes my heart sing.