How Journaling Helped Me Reclaim My Hardest Days

Some days every single thing seems to go wrong. You’re fighting hard to stay afloat but you cannot think of anything positive to cling on you. Life has a way of really testing us. Sometimes we have to search for those positive moments that often seem few and far between. These are the moments that we have to cling onto, these are the moments that make living worth it. These are the moments that we need to make space for in our minds. A reminder that not all hope is lost.

I went to a therapy session once and the conversation moved on to journalling. Initially, I thought what a load of rubbish. But as the therapist explained it all made perfect sense. I could see how much this changes our thought processes and our feelings towards a day.

I started to journal and it has gone from something that I disregarded as unhelpful to something that I know benefits me so much. So when you start journalling set aside some time in your day to really concentrate on it. Focus on two things that you are grateful for and two things that you have done which make you happy and proud. Some days you will really have to dig deep to find these moments. I can assure you that no matter how far you need to dig there will be moments then you can look at with optimism. So set aside some time for yourself to really look at the day, make a coffee, sit in the sun and allow yourself to reflect.

Today like a lot of days I was sure I would not have one single thing to journal about at all – my whole day felt like a disaster. But when I sat down and thought about it I did begin to think of a few:

1. This morning my dad had to text someone his email address – instead of writing @outlook.com he wrote at outlook.com, this honestly made me belly laugh. Sometimes I don’t feel I laugh much often anymore but this was brilliant.
2. The way Archie behaves even in different situations made my heart fill with praise. He hasn’t had it easy but still always tries to support other. He is a loud moth just like his mum, which often gets him into trouble – even so he is likeable and confident. He is the most honest child I know and will always tell the truth as he cannot handle lying.
3. Today although I felt like I was spiralling out of control I avoided temptation to run back to my old coping mechanisms and dealt with the issues head on instead of running away.
4. I am also so proud of myself for still being her, for fighting with everything I’ve got to raise awareness for people in need.

SO whenever you feel that your day has gone to pot. Whenever you get stuck in a rut and think the world is against you just know it isn’t. Even on the darkest of days there are these moments that go a long way to improve your mood. Find them positive moments and let them carry you forward.