Yes, I'm Talking About Journaling Again. . .

As I often do when I set out to write my weekly email to you all, I am inspired by something I've read, something I have listened to, a conversation I've had, etc. This week, I started listening to a book on Audible that was recommended to me by one of you (you know who you are!). The book is The Book of Alchemy, by Suleika Jaouad. It is beautiful. And it so happens to be about one of my favorite topics - that will most likely make you all groan - JOURNALING!

So it has me thinking. I am SUCH a huge proponent of journaling (as you know). It can truly be a form of therapy to put form to your thoughts. Even if you feel your thoughts are not important. Even if you feel silly. Even if you have nothing to say. Even if you hate it! Getting your thoughts out of your head is beneficial. It can give you clarity and lead to answers to questions you hadn't even fully formed yet.

I personally like longhand writing as opposed to typing into a document. I find that I censor myself less when there is no delete button. I researched (and by that I mean, I asked ChatGPT) a list of various types of journaling. Because, although I have a preference, there really is no right or wrong way to do it. I provide you with prompts every week, and I often use prompts, but sometimes I like to do something different to spice it up.

Here are 10 Types of Journaling you might try:

1. Morning Pages

When to Use: First thing in the morning when your mind is fresh (or fuzzy).

How: Write 2–3 pages of whatever comes to mind. No editing, no judgment—just let your thoughts spill onto the page.

Benefits: Clears mental clutter, sparks creativity, eases anxiety.

2. Brain Dump

When to Use: When you’re feeling overwhelmed or scattered.

How: Write down everything on your mind—tasks, worries, ideas—without filtering.

Benefits: Creates mental space, organizes priorities, reduces overwhelm.

3. Bullet Journal

When to Use: When you want structure and visual organization.

How: Use bullets, lists, and symbols to track habits, tasks, and reflections.

Benefits: Increases productivity, keeps goals visible, blends planning and reflection.

4. Gratitude Journal

When to Use: When you want to focus on the positive or shift your perspective.

How: List 3–5 things you’re grateful for and write a short note about why.

Benefits: Boosts mood, trains your brain to notice good moments.

5. Reflective Journal

When to Use: After a significant event, conversation, or challenge.

How: Write about what happened, how you felt, and what you learned.

Benefits: Builds self-awareness, helps integrate lessons from life.

6. Goal-Oriented Journal

When to Use: When you’re starting, tracking, or revising a goal.

How: Outline your goal, steps, and progress; reflect on wins and challenges.

Benefits: Keeps goals front-and-center, increases follow-through.

7. Prompt-Based Journal

When to Use: When you’re feeling stuck or need inspiration.

How: Respond to a question, theme, or quote (or the prompts I give you weekly).

Benefits: Opens new perspectives, deepens self-exploration.

8. Visual Journal

When to Use: When words alone don’t capture your thoughts.

How: Combine sketches, doodles, or collage with short written reflections.

Benefits: Sparks creativity, engages multiple senses, makes journaling playful.

9. Affirmation Journal

When to Use: When you want to build confidence or reframe negative thinking.

How: Write a positive statement about yourself or your future, then explore how you can live it out.

Benefits: Strengthens self-belief, shifts mindset toward possibility.

10. Stream-of-Consciousness

When to Use: Anytime you need to unload your thoughts without rules.

How: Set a timer for 5–15 minutes and write nonstop until time’s up.

Benefits: Bypasses overthinking, reveals hidden thoughts and feelings.

Try some of them out this week and let me know your thoughts. I have a new Journaling-focused member benefit coming in September so stay tuned!

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Save the Date!

I am in the planning stages for our first annual planning retreat - Draft Your Year with Pencil and Purpose! Dates are January 22-25, with a Thursday evening arrival and departure Sunday morning. This will be for members and other guests (known by either me or a member). I'm tentatively planning to include breakfast, lunch and snacks with dinner on your own (as long as the location has options). Cost is to be determined and will depend upon the number of participants. I want to book a house in the fall and will be looking to get confirmations and a deposit by then. Stay tuned!

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Office Hours:  Office Hours for August will be on Monday, August 18. This is for Editor's Circle Coaching Members as well as any Guided Revision Coaching Members who would like to touch base between scheduled coaching appointments. HERE is the link to schedule a 30-minute slot

The Weekly Draft: happens every Sunday evening at 7pm at this link. Come prepared to reflect on the past week and draft the upcoming week. It is meant to be a heads down, co-planning time, with me being available to share strategies and/or answer questions. Join me HERE