Introduction

[Elixir_of_Life]

Hey hello!

I was recommended to check out the forums of SANE by a peer worker.

I've been through some pretty tough stuff.

But I've manage to survive it, even thrive with it.

I was reading some of my old journals and realised my life is a lot better now.

It's vey cathartic to write a journal, and even more cathartic to shred them.

Especially the ones about how miserable my life was.

[AlwaysMyself]

Hi @Elixir_of_Life 

Nice to hear you are even able to thrive despite some of the past difficult experiences.

I relate to what you said about looking back at past journals/etc to see how far you've come. Sometimes I look back at things I've written or drawn in the past and remember how much better able to cope I am now. 

I've always liked the idea of journalling - having something to look back on in the future to remember memories. But I'm not much of a writer - or not motivated enough to set aside time for it I guess if I'm honest with myself! I prefer sharing with other trusted people than just writing to myself. 

Do you still journal for your future you to look back on?

[tyme]

Hi there @AlwaysMyself @Elixir_of_Life ,

Great to meet you both.

Journalling can certainly have its many benefits. I guess it helps people get out some of the things they need to.

@AlwaysMyself , I sort of have to say I sit on your side of the fence regarding journalling. I love sharing here on the forums, but I struggle to write down my own thoughts and ideas (to myself).

So I guess it's about finding what works for you.

I believe @creative_writer might be able to share their experiences around writing?

[Elixir_of_Life]

"Do you still journal for your future you to look back on?"

I haven't been journaling on a regular basis for a long time.

My intention  is to get back into a routine where I will be journaling at least weekly.

I don't journal so much for the purposes of future reflection, it's more for the cathartic effect of putting pen to paper.

[tyme]

That's really interesting @Elixir_of_Life , because I was only speaking about journalling yesterday and how I'd like to look into more research about it to see if there are specific forms/structure around journalling in order to make it 'effective'? Or can a brain dump be just as helpful?

I don't know at this stage, but I think I'll do some research.

[Elixir_of_Life]

"Specific forms/structure around journalling in order to make it 'effective'? Or can a brain dump be just as helpful?"

I think both are good exercises.

Prompts give direction to your journaling. They can help you focus on goal progression.

Stream of consciousness is also good. Putting pen to paper means you can empty out the contents of your mind onto a page.

[AlwaysMyself]

Are there any go-to prompt resources you would recommend @Elixir_of_Life?

I do some stream-of-thinking writing sometimes. Especially if I'm angry, actually. Seems to help me process my thinking and then review it for where I may be able to change something to improve the situation. Or consider what action I need to take in response to the situation and what has upset me about it. Sometimes I would also write what I'd like to say to someone, even if I know I won't ever share it to them.

Interested to learn more about prompts as they could be useful and interesting for myself!

[tyme]

I don't so much 'journal', but I do do a brain dump every night - in the form of lists.

In the past, I'd struggle to get sleep because I'd be thinking what I had to do each day. Now, I write lists and it helps be sleep better. 

I also do daily goal-setting with members here on the forums so we know what we are accountable for each day.

I think it's important to find what works for you and if journalling and brain dumping works - run with it! @Elixir_of_Life 

So glad to see you around.

[Elixir_of_Life]

"Interested to learn more about prompts as they could be useful and interesting for myself!"

@AlwaysMyself 

I like to "F" my life prompts.

Using the 7 "F's".

Faith

Fun

Fitness

Finances

Family

Friends

Future

I use this framework to check my progress on the goals related to each "F" word.

It's not totally comprehensive but a good start.

You don't have to be great to start, but you must start to be great.

Journaling to the same prompts helps me see how I am going in my goals.

Hope it helps.

[Elixir_of_Life]

Agreed.

Emptying your mind onto a page when thoughts bother you when trying to sleep us very helpful.

Then you won't forget what your thought was.

Also, you have peace of mind that you can come back later to address it during the day.

When it comes to day planning, I usually list about six things to do each day and order them logically - like by importance and urgency.