How to start your journaling practice - guest blog by Tamara Akcay

Journaling is writing. It can be done with a pen and paper or by typing on a computer.
By journaling, you learn yourself. You collect your thoughts, you observe your behaviours. It’s a tool that allows you to come out from yourself, from your mind.

Some of the things you write, you sometimes could never be able to say out loud. Writing is the safest place to allow yourself to feel, speak to your bound nature.

The first step to journaling I would say is to write how you feel, first thing in the morning when you are not overwhelmed yet with negative thoughts. Let the emotions surface. It seems simple yet for some people it takes practice and guidance. You want to write more than “I feel happy” or “I feel angry”, you want to find out why, where it comes from, what makes you feel that way, if there are any other feelings hiding behind that.

When you work with me, I'll typically give out journaling prompts which are specific to a theme, a goal you want to reach. You will soon realise that you need to have something to write on handy because thoughts happen all day. The journal entries get challenged because I coach each of them. I offer perspective, suggest to dig deeper and encourage because writing is brave. Not everyone does it. Most people go where life takes them without realising that they can actually live what they want.

Another way to start journaling is to write down your limiting beliefs (negative thoughts) and same, observe resistance, control, procrastination and dig, ask why, be honest and transparent.
From there, lots can happen. Of course, it’s best if the person writing is guided, which is the service I offer.

In addition to that, I recommend that you journal at night, that you list the wins of the day which is different from gratitude. When we sleep, the mind consolidates memories so that they can be recalled in the future. In the long run, this will help  to build self-esteem, reinforce your strength and converse with your bound nature.

I hope this helps you get started!

For more information on how to get all the benefits from journaling, head to my website www.tamaraakcay.com and drop me an email with your goals, where you think are stuck and any other questions you might have!