Our world is overrun with things that just don’t matter very much in the greater scheme of things. Mindfulness doesn’t seem to be a priority – after all, there’s SO MUCH going on!
We are overwhelmed by lives that cause us to wear out and forget to stay in the moment and experience gratitude. Journaling can help us be more intentional, begin and remain in a more grounded mindset, and focus on what matters most to us.
Have you ever driven somewhere taking the same path you have driven for years? Have you parked your car and realized that you don’t even remember taking the trip? Life is so busy sometimes that autopilot has become the norm.
Let’s look at some of the dangers of not being mindful:
Becoming too sensitive – One of the traits that develop when we are not self-aware is becoming overly sensitive to criticisms. Every little thing can cause upset, distress, and a negative turn to your day, week, or even month.
Becoming cynical – Being bombarded by negative information and not 
taking time to see what’s right in and with the world can cause cynicism and a mindset that nothing is beautiful or pure. This is a recipe for mental and spiritual burnout if not corrected.
Becoming a martyr– Being unable to focus on self-care or to be mindful of how you are engaging people you love is a dangerous spot to be in. You must take time to fill your own tank, and to be a positive influence on the people you love – it’s necessary!
Physical issues– Disease (a disorder of structure or function in a human) is oftentimes a byproduct of an unhealthy mind and the subsequent choices made due to our disconnect with what’s best for us. We too often focus on symptoms and not on the root cause. Disease MUST be cured to stop the symptoms.
Journaling can open up your mind, strengthen your spirit, and restore peace and hope to your life.
Whatever you give attention to, grows. Attention is important because it focuses your energy in one direction. Being mindful brings attention and awareness to the focus you have.
Choosing to let go of what is wrong and look for what is right counteracts the negative things vying for your attention. Being positive and intentional about your thought content changes your mind, your body, and your outcomes.
Journaling about positive things is easy. No matter how many negative things you see, you can’t deny the things that you love. You may have been late for work, but the salad you had for lunch was exceptional today. When you sit down to journal think about the things that you love and that are working and let it flow from there.
Are you thinking that it’s too hard to think of positive things to journal about? Are you going through a rough patch? Try this exercise:
Sit in your favorite spot with your favorite journaling tools. Ask yourself to describe three things that were amazing about your day.
My latte was the perfect temperature and the barista said I looked nice in my new outfit.
The sunshine through my car window on my commute gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling after a cool start to the morning.
The healthy dinner recipe I tried was a big hit – full of flavor and easy to prepare.
Now ask yourself what else was awesome? Continue to ask yourself what else was awesome until you feel your journal entries are complete. Do this for the next 21 to 28 days until it becomes an easy habit.
At the end of your 28-day focused period of journaling, you’ll have discovered being mindful is an easier habit and you can add to or change up your mindfulness journaling to keep experiencing the benefits.
