When I was a little girl and would get overwhelmed with emotion, I would journal. Whether it was a love poem or writing out the play-by-play of whatever I was experiencing, I wrote in my journal. I had no idea what I was doing or why I was doing it, only that it felt necessary and it helped.
I realize now, that the things we do naturally as kids, often are hints for us later in life, for how to get out of our heads and into our hearts. Over a decade ago, this happened naturally for me again when I was confronted with a massive, unexpected life change full of heartbreak and loss. I was overwhelmed and turned to the page.
Once again, there was just too much emotion inside of me and it needed a place to go. The place I found for it to land was the blank pages of my journal. My journal didn’t judge or offer solutions, it just met me where I was and received the expressions of my inner world. This was exactly what I needed, to be heard.
As I journaled through my emotions, my sense of self deepened significantly. I became my own witness. I started to go on this journey of understanding who I am, how I became her, where I had gotten away from my true self, and the path back to her.
I asked questions about my own true nature and the nature of this human experience: who am I? Who are we? What are we doing here? What is the meaning of this life? As I asked questions and journaled about them, I received clarity, answers, and direction.
What started as a healing experience, became an exercise in self-awareness and knowingness. It became a playful and creative space, a place for all kinds of expression, exploring, possibilities, and transformation. I began to imagine who I did want to be and what that would be like, and it first came to life on the pages of my journal.
I now know that this is because journaling is actually a consciousness practice, and if we can heal through our thoughts and emotions, we can also bring our desired reality into being with that same creative potential. Journaling is a place where thought takes form.
I still find new journaling practices to experiment with and open up to new worlds. Whether it is gratitude journaling, intention setting, belief hunting, intuition and channeled messages, or recording my dreams, to name a few; there is an alchemy and magic that takes place when we allow our inner world to flow through us and onto the page.
In March 2020, when we were faced with a global pandemic and lockdowns, I wanted to offer a practice for people to turn to in the face of all of the unknowns. Consciously navigating life change is my sweet spot. I thought since we were mostly inside, it would be a great opportunity to really go inside.
I began sharing videos of journal prompts, taking family and friends through an inward journey of self-discovery and transformation. I love journal prompts because they offer just enough guidance to give us the safety and direction to follow our flow and imagination wherever it takes us. Journal prompts are gateways and access to fertile territory and potential.
It’s funny, when I sat down to write this, I thought it was going to be about sharing our gifts with each other and having the courage to overcome fears and be vulnerable, and instead it turned out to be more about the power of journaling. That is the gift in writing, it is an allowing of a greater intelligence through you. I love when my writing surprises me.
But since I have your attention, I will share that I was terrified when I first started posting these videos with journal prompts! The desire to contribute and be of service was greater than the voice of my inner critic though.
And in giving, I also received…which I find is usually the case. People reached out to share gratitude and stories about their journaling journey and I dove even deeper into my own journal practices.
This leads me to a journal prompt I can offer: Where is the sweet spot where your unique passions, experiences, values, and skills meet a need in the world? What would it look like to share it?
Take a few breaths to get centered in your heart space and write whatever comes through for you. Start with what you know and be delighted by what emerges and is revealed.
The world needs each of us to be the fullest expression of our highest potential. Everyone benefits from each of us sharing our gifts and offerings. Thank you for sharing in one of mine.
Guest Author Bio
Erin McElroy
Erin is a seeker, teacher, and facilitator specializing in personal transformation and integration. She is passionate about helping people to experience conscious, tangible change; for purpose, on purpose. Her playground is in the space of exploring consciousness and embodying your potential to live a fulfilling, meaningful life. She also leads Conscious Leadership Sailing Expeditions.
Erin lives in Mexico, diving deep into practices such as breathwork, meditation, and writing, while taking time to play, explore, and channel her best impression of a dolphin.
You can witness these adventures and inspiration at @acalltoadventure on Instagram; or, if inspired to embrace your own journal practice, Erin is offering annual journal prompts to reflect upon the last year and create the new year ahead. CLICK HERE to participate.
You have questions? Please contact Erin at her website!
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