From a young age, I have always enjoyed writing and reading. Its been a form of expression and release and at times even cathartic. I love tracking and recording things whether it be my weight, things I did on a particular day or even keeping an agenda.
I have listened to a number of podcasts about rituals that seem to really provide people with a sense of complete-ness and comfort. For me, writing and journaling has been an on and off ritual that has really helped me relax and stay grounded in times of stress.
When I started law school, I purchased a “one line a day” book. It was basically a bible-sized journal which tracks 5 years day by day. Each day you write something short – it can be anything. I chose to write down what I did that day sometimes I would write about how I was feeling. I started this in the summer of 2015 and I just finished 5 years later. It is so satisfying to look back at that I’ve written over the past years.
There are certainly some days that I have missed or just have forgotten to make an entry but for the most part, I’ve been diligent in filling this book up as much as I can and integrate this habit into my daily routine. This is a great way to get into journalling as it is no frills, and just requires minutes each day.
Journaling can help you destress and acknowledge weaknesses in friendships, help you realize things about yourself that you want to change or improve and so much more. Now that we are spending more time by ourselves, this is a great time to get into journaling for your mental health and sanity.
This one line a day book has been the one constant in my life for the past 5 years whereas so much has changed. I have gone to law school, worked several jobs in between, I articled and got married and this book has all of this in its pages. Completing this journal (kind of like completing an agenda) has been weirdly satisfying especially since it has taken me five whole years.
Now that I have this blog which has been a newer project for me, I now have another informal writing exercise that I can maintain and that I am really enjoying so far.
