I’ve kept a journal since I was in middle school (the awkward years). I literally have stacks on stacks of diaries piled up on my book shelves, all filled with tender thoughts, crazy dreams, lofty goals, special events, funny memories, silly stories and heartfelt prayers. Journaling is one of my favorite outlets… I can write when I’m bored, stressed, frustrated, happy or excited! So for today’s post, I want to encourage you to keep a journal of your own. Find yourself a really cute one! Fill it with fun pictures, magazine cut-outs and cute colors. Fill it with inspiring quotes and big plans. Use it as a way to reflect and grow.
I currently write in my journal about every other day. Life gets busy and I don’t get to it everyday, but when I get the chance, there’s nothing quite like nibbling some dark chocolate, sipping some hot cinnamon tea and a writing a little journal entry to end my busy day. It’s a sweet little ritual I cherish!
When I was losing weight and figuring out how to eat right, a food journal came in very handy. I didn’t always track my calories, but simply writing down what I ate throughout the day helped to change my whole perspective. It made me more aware of cravings, challenging times, and big temptations. I learned what nourished my body and what didn’t.
I soon began to look at my meals as ‘beautiful events’ filled with sweet and savory flavors. Just like an entry in my regular journal, writing in my food diary was fun and enlightening. It also helped me figure out my food intolerances. Since I’ve eaten dairy free for one year, gluten free for 3, and soy free for a year and a half, I no longer feel the need to track what I eat. Instead, I’ve found a balanced lifestyle that works for me. For anyone just starting their health journey (or looking to restart) I encourage you to try food journaling!
So, today’s healthy tip?? Journal! Honestly, I feel a little ‘off’ when I don’t write for a while. Journaling keeps me sane and relaxed. (Plus, it’s super fun to go back and look at what you wrote a few years later! ALWAYS good for a hearty laugh… or at least a little smile).
What about you? Do you like to journal? Do you keep a food diary?
14 Comments
I LOVE the pages you made! Makes me want to give it a try. Great post!
March 4, 2016 at 3:08 amAwww!! Thanks so much Joy! Hope that you’re having a great day!
March 11, 2016 at 6:56 pmI kept a journal from age 10 all the way until age 20!! Your journal looks so great! I currently keep a positivity journal and try to write one great thing that happened that day in it!
March 4, 2016 at 5:26 amI love that! Positivity journal! What a great idea! Thanks girl!
March 11, 2016 at 6:56 pmxoxo Cailee!
I’ve been journaling since I was a little kid and I STILL love it. Maybe it’s just because I’m in the habit of it but I swear it’s like the only way I can get my thoughts down!
March 4, 2016 at 3:13 pmI’m right there with ya Liz! I mean, I love praying out loud alone in my car and journaling… those are both my fave ways to ‘get it out’!! <3
March 11, 2016 at 6:56 pmThat’s amazing that you still have all of those journals! It must be so fun to look back on. It’s crazy how differently our minds worked when we were back in say….middle school!
March 4, 2016 at 3:32 pmIt sure is fun! Even just a couple years ago… I love to go back and laugh at myself… I’m like, What was I thinking?? Was I even thinking?! Lol!
March 11, 2016 at 6:53 pmI used to keep a diligent journal way back when. But sadly, I am just too busy – that sounds pathetic because we can ALL make time, but I am always writing… Always updating, etc that journaling just falls by the wayside. Honestly though, I have so many planners to keep track of what I am doing that I almost don’t need a journal anymore because I can easily look back to see what I did on X day… By just flipping through my planner (or my iPhone photos!)
March 4, 2016 at 4:00 pmHehe! I hear that! I keep a planner too… and I write down what a did, plus I take pix like everyday! But I guess for me journaling is a bit more personal and where I let out my deepest, unfiltered thoughts and prayers! But we’re all different and you gotta find what works for you! Sounds like you’ve got a good system going!! 🙂
March 11, 2016 at 6:52 pmSuch pretty journals! 🙂 I love keeping a journal! I started my first one when I was 8 and reading back on it is pretty hilarious. But it’s also really incredible to read back on so many years of life. Around the time I turned 14 my journals turned from regular journals to prayer journals and I especially love looking back on those entries. It’s so incredible to see the ways that God has answered prayers over the years. 🙂
March 4, 2016 at 6:41 pmYES! I hear ya Rach. It’s so fun to go back and look at how I used to think/ view things… and it’s even more special to go back and see how God has answered my prayers! <3
March 11, 2016 at 6:42 pmI love it so much! So pretty and well decorated. That pink notebook is so so pretty, I want it! I keep a journal as well but not to put what I eat, but I think it’s a great idea. I love your blog, totally following you now 🙂
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March 6, 2016 at 5:08 pmOhhh!! Thank you so much Paula!! <3 and yay for journaling! I really don't use a food journal as much anymore (because how I eat is a lifestyle now), but it was SO helpful in the beginning and just trying to figure everything out! 🙂
March 11, 2016 at 6:41 pm