Write! ~ “Right!”, Larry James

Write! ~ “Right!”

Have you ever written in a journal?

It’s a great way to put your private and personal feelings on paper.

It is important to get your thoughts “out of your head” and make them tangible by putting them in writing.

Often the thoughts you have about your relationship are disconnected from the real issue. Your mind skips from one thought to the next so rapidly you have no time to focus on thinking about what really matters.

Journaling is for women AND men. Men have feelings too.

Here’s a short list of great men from history who kept journals:

• Theodore Roosevelt
• Thomas Jefferson
• Charles Darwin
• Benjamin Franklin
• Lewis and Clark
• Andrew Carnegie
• Ralph Waldo Emerson

Here’s the good part: When you can see your thoughts on paper it helps you to more effectively deal with the situation. Looking back at old journal entries can help you rediscover the kind of changes you need to make to get your life back on track.

Finally, simply writing about your feelings and frustrations helps you focus on what’s really going on in your life and in your head, so that you can come up with a solution to your problems. It’s great therapy. Starting a journal is easy enough. Sticking to it on a daily basis is more difficult. If you want to make it a habit, just pick a time in your day for journal writing and make it a non-negotiable in your life.

A journal is not a diary. In a diary, you keep a list of the things you do daily; a daily record of events and experiences. In a journal, you make notes about how you are “feeling” about what is going on in your life on a daily basis. Don’t confuse the two.

Many years ago, during a relationship break-up, I began journaling. I learned so much about myself during that time of my life. I am grateful that I did this because later I could look back and see how far I had come personally. When I re-read some of the entries, I couldn’t believe that I had felt that way. This self-reflection was a God-send. It truly helped me move past that time in my life.

Your task today is to begin a journal. Some people prefer to write in a book. I prefer to have a file in my computer. Select what works best for you. Journals help you have a better connection with your values, emotions, and goals. They improve mental clarity and help you solve problems and improve your overall focus. If you already have a journal, but haven’t written in it in awhile, write an entry today. If not, start one today!

For a more in depth look at journalling, be sure to read: “For Your Eyes Only”.

BONUS Article: 101 Reasons to Write a Journal

Copyright © 2013 – Larry James. This idea is adapted from Larry’s books, “How to Really Love the One You’re With: Affirmative Guidelines for a Healthy Love Relationship,” “LoveNotes for Lovers: Words That Make Music for Two Hearts Dancing” and “Red Hot LoveNotes for Lovers.” Larry James is a professional speaker, author, relationship coach and an award winning nondenominational Wedding Officiant. He performs the most “Romantic” wedding ceremony you will find anywhere. Something NEW about relationships is posted every 4th day on this Relationships BLOG.