Why I Journal – Plus, How It Can Help You
by Wendy Wright, LMFT, Financial Therapist, Wealth Transfer Dynamics Specialist, Money Coach
I like to journal. Do you?
I have kept a journal for most of my life, all the way back to my childhood diary that had a lock and key.
I loved that diary and thought it was so cool. When I grew up and created my own home, I opted for (and still do!) a simple spiral notebook. I always write in pencil, preferring the feel of pencil on paper. What do you like? Check in with all your senses and keep them in mind as you determine your journal style.
Now, let’s talk about the where of journaling. It can be anywhere, of course, and I want to encourage you to find your spot. For years, I didn’t have a specific, cozy place in my home that was all my own. Somewhere to sink into for meditation and journaling time. I began to crave a spot that was a small haven for my thinking time.
Today, I have this place in my home, and it didn’t take anything more than intention. I claimed a corner of my back porch couch and arranged pillows and throws that I already had to create the vibe I wanted. It didn’t cost anything except my time and attention! This approach can work for you too. Outside is one of my favorite places to be. The air is fresh as the breeze blows past, and the small sounds of nature really help me settle into my own time to think and process. I am sitting out there right now as I write this post for you.
Would you like to have a spot to journal?
Find a seat that you can envision being your journaling spot and cozy it up. Begin to sit there daily to pause and reflect, journaling in free flow or using prompts. I like both ways. Journaling can also be a verbal exercise of talking things through. You can use your phone or tablet to record your musings. Try it out and see what you notice.
This morning, from my back porch journal spot, I wrote some thoughts about why I journal. Want to take a look at my writings?
Why do I journal? It helps me to stream out my thoughts, thus gaining clarity and decreasing my overthinking, which is great! Writing out my thoughts organizes them and helps me make connections, giving me some “a ha!” moments. It helps me name my intentions, building into movements and action steps. Journaling gives me quiet time with my thoughts. It’s meditative. It’s similar to talking things through with a friend who is a good listener. It’s a time to go deeper, putting words to my layered – and often busy – thoughts. Ultimately, it increases meaning and understanding.
You may have experienced some of these benefits of journaling too. If you haven’t yet, I know you will!
Keeping a journal is a key part of my Financial Therapy approach.
Clients often come into session after doing a journaling exercise with increased insight into their money decision making. They smile and say that they enjoy the deepened understanding. When you get to connect those threads of why you repeat money behaviors that confuse and frustrate you, you can identify where to make changes and interrupt patterns. It really works!
My Financial Therapy approach starts with mindful pauses, not restrictive and bossy “budgets.” This method has proven to be 100 percent more helpful than filling out a new budget sheet! Mindfulness is often helped by journaling as an aid. Would you like to dig in and start this work for yourself? Well, I have great news: I have the perfect tool for you!
Let me introduce you to a resource to start your journey: My Financial Therapy Journal.
I designed this journal to be an interactive and continuous experience for you. Start with the Foundational Series with prompts for my Breathe-Intend-Move exercise that you can use to heal and shift your money relationship. In the Money Mindset Shift Program, this exercise is woven into many of the steps toward your Money Mindset Shift. Learn more about this program here.
Once you have received your Foundational Series, you will be on the list to regularly receive details about other journaling series. Many of these prompts are free, while others will have a cost aligned with the length and depth of the series. You get to choose what feels right for you and your next step in this journey. You may choose to journal some Money Script Flips, or maybe you are drawn to the Decrease Shopping Anxiety prompts. There are several prompts to check out here with more to come!
Click here to get three free Foundational Series for your Financial Therapy Journal.
As a reminder, these resources are not therapy or a replacement for therapy. They are meant to be educational and great to use in combination with therapy. To book a free discovery call with me, click here!
