Types of Journaling for Women in Florida

Clearly, journaling is a thing. It’s been a part of culture and life for as long as I can remember. I know people who still have their journals from childhood, even the ones that started on January 1st, had two very enthusiastic entries and then were left blank and neglected for the rest of the year. How very appropriate for 2020, too, huh? One month left, folks. Okay, fine. I know we can’t totally write off 2020. So, I’ll defer to one of my favorite quotes here:

‘We don’t have to remember everything. But everything we remember has value.'”  — Michelle Obama, Becoming: A Guided Journal For Discovering Your Voice

Everything we remember has value. That’s right, the good, the bad, the random thoughts, the mundane. All valuable, when we remember. This is why I like the use of various kinds of journals for various seasons of our lives. You may find that one type of journal has made sense in the past, but now you need a different form of journaling outlet. I have a friend who has used various journals to help with her anxiety, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. Some years, my friend’s planner has been a sort of journal for her. Others, she has used a different type. You already know there are tons of benefits of journaling. But, what might make sense for you as we move into 2021? Let’s explore some of the most popular types of journals for women today.

Gratitude Journal

Keeping track of the good things, the happy stuff, your daily wins, and all you are grateful and thankful for. Writing this around Thanksgiving feels especially appropriate. Though, a gratitude journal is year-round. Not just for turkey! Did you know that you can’t feel anxiety and gratitude at the exact same time? In fact, there are many proven health and happiness benefits of gratitude journaling.

“For years I’ve been advocating the power and pleasure of being grateful. I kept a gratitude journal for a full decade without fail—and urged you all to do the same.” – Oprah Winfrey

It might feel a little overwhelming to keep a daily gratitude journal. But, gratitude journaling can truly make you happier. You can even get gratitude journals with built-in prompts if you need inspiration.

Goal Journal

Your goals might be big or small. Daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly. No matter what the interval, your goals deserve a space to become reality. To breathe. To grow. A space to thrive. You can use a goal journal to break your goals down into objectives with action items. Motivational quotes. Timelines and dates. Whatever YOU need to make those goals happen.

Unsent Letter Journal

How many times do you have something need/want to say to a person but can’t bring yourself to do it. Maybe you’ve dealt with codependency before. You’ve dealt with setting difficult boundaries in a relationship. Had communication issues in a friendship or workplace. An unsent letter journal might be a great place for you to get these ideas and thoughts out in a private place. You don’t have to ever show them to another soul. Or, you might decide to use those raw thoughts as a prompt for the email you end up sending or the conversation you end up initiating. This journal might be best kept digitally, to ensure they don’t accidentally get intercepted or discovered. A “locked note” on your phone or other private space can be a great option.

Ideas Journal

Another of my favorite sayings is, “Trust Your Crazy Ideas”. I love it. An ideas journal is exactly that. A space to hold your ideas. That dedicated place just for your ideas. Your brainstorms. Your mind maps. Let yourself get them out. Then, you can take a step back to look at them anew. With a fresh new perspective. Maybe those ideas become goals for your goals journal!

Dream Journal

This one, you keep next to your bed at night. That time between sleeping and awake can be a great space to write down your dreams. Not just those things that you wish for in your heart. But, the actual, fresh recollection of your dreams before the details vanish. They might not make sense right now. They might seem silly or unimportant, but, those dreams might be worth considering when you aren’t so sleepy.

Sketch Journal

For the more visual of you, consider a sketch journal! You can doodle, draw, make a visual representation of your thoughts, do mind mapping…whatever makes sense to and for you. While it might seem like a less conventional of a journal option, it might be great for you. Why not give it a try?

Journal Apps

Are you a more tech-focused person? Not so interested in pen and paper? There’s an app for that! In fact, there are quite a few. I recommend downloading a few options to see what fits best for you. Don’t get too bogged down in choosing the perfect one, just give it a try! Pro tip: turn ON your notifications for your journal app(s) so you remember to incorporate the app into your digital routine.

Final thoughts about journaling for women in Florida

The beautiful thing about having various types of journals to choose from is that you don’t have to choose just one! You could keep multiple types. They say that each season of your life will require a different “you”. So, let yourself use the tools you need at any given moment. In any specific season. If you want a safe space to process all of this with, I would love to talk with you.

Begin Counseling for Women in Miramar, FL or Start Online Therapy in Florida

If you want more support with healthy habits to support your mental and physical wellbeing, I would love to talk with you! As a therapist in Broward County, Florida, I specialize in working with high-achieving women who deal with anxiety, imposter syndrome, and so much more. Let’s get started, wherever you are in the state, with online therapy in Florida. All you have to do is follow these three steps:

1. Contact Counseling Solutions of Boward to schedule your free 20-minute consultation on a video platform,

2. Get to know me, Enid, your professional online counselor

3. Start living your best life with more rest and rejuvenation