My Journaling System

Since my early 20s, I’ve struggled with a lack of direction. Of understanding who I am and where I’m running towards. Journaling has given me the answer to both.

After several iterations over the years, here are the tools that make up my journaling system.

Every night I sit in my office, usually in silence, open my journal, pick up the G2 pilot, and write. Fifteen minutes. My alone time.

Each month starts with a tracker. One memorable moment per day, no matter how small.

Then, I track my daily habits. If I do the habit, I earn an X in the box. It feels like a game trying to fill up the board by the end of the month. The left side reminds me of what I already have and the right side shows who I want to become.

I start with three things that I’m grateful for. Could be my son sleeping more than 3 hours or my mom making steamed fish. Next, I list my current interests. I’m listening to what naturally draws me and brings me joy. Putting it on paper is basically me saying “Do more of this!” Then, I read my devotion and write the verse worth sitting with. And finally, I free-write. My mind settles as each word is thrown onto the page.

I catch myself now. When the same negative thought shows up three days in a row, I see it written out. Dumped from my mind and onto the page.

It’s a progress tracker. At the end of June, I looked back and realized I did more than I thought. I can see the days I took a step closer to becoming the person I want to be.

But more than progress, it keeps me grounded. It’s a constant reminder that I have all that I need.