Barbara Ann Repan

Sharing Hope that Anchors the Soul

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Journaling Your Journey, Why it Matters

June 22, 2017 by Barbara

Did you know that journaling your thoughts has health benefits? If you Google ‘benefits of journaling’ you will see hundreds of results. Today I’m sharing some benefits that I have experienced and maybe it will encourage you to begin to journal your journey also.

Lately, I have been a little discouraged, especially with my writing. Part of my problem is putting unnecessary pressure on myself to do “all the things” I see other writers doing. And it only leaves me feeling overwhelmed. Can you relate to this in other areas of life? Maybe for you it’s motherhood. You want to be the perfect mom, as it appears your friends are.

A friend gave me some great advice the other day. She is also a writer who understands the ups and downs of this writing life. One of her suggestions was to journal. Journaling was a way of life for me but for some reason I put the ink and paper away last year.

Yesterday morning I decided to spend some time out on our deck. I took my coffee and my journals. Birds were singing, the view is beautiful and the weather breezy cool. Getting out in the fresh air and beauty of God’s green creation can clear the mind. With my pink ink on white paper, I started writing some thoughts and prayers.

 

Journal Your Journey

 

Within a matter of minutes I sensed discouragement disappearing. My mind felt uncluttered. As I focused on the beauty surrounding me, I started to feel refreshed. Words filled several pages in my journal. Nothing profound, just words that soothed my soul. Sitting outside and journaling was the self-care I needed.

I continued writing for about 15 minutes some areas I believe God is teaching me about trusting Him.  Spending time with Jesus, in the fresh air, is one of the best things I can do to leave behind discouragement. I promised myself I will be out here as much as possible.

Picking up my older journal, I read words that allowed me to remember how far I’ve come in certain areas. In 2012, I wrote a prayer something like this, “Sometimes it still hurts my heart that I didn’t have children. God, help me on the hard days, which I’m thankful are few.” I was reminded of the healing I’ve experienced from this part of my life, only because of God’s grace and mercy.

Looking back at older journals you see the faithfulness of God in your life.

It’s painful to read my words of the struggles John and I were going through at the time but also thankful those struggles at the time have been resolved. Today we have new struggles but looking back I am hopeful that we will eventually resolve them as well. Vacation memories are so fun to read, along with the funny things my Dad used to say that I have jotted down. I sure miss his funny stories.

Journaling is therapeutic. When I read my old journals, I am reminded of the faithfulness of my God. Worrying about finances-He always provided. Leaving a job-He opened the door for the next one. Health scares-He held my hand.

There are health benefits too. Journaling helps to reduce stress and anxiety, resulting in fewer health problems.

Reading my old journals can be depressing when I read of changes I want to make, but never do. Like exercising consistently or consuming less sugar. That’s when I give myself grace, try harder and ask for God’s help.

Therefore, this is why I believe journaling matters. For the many benefits to our physical health, spiritual health, emotional health and relationship health.

Thank you for reading. Now it’s your turn. How has journaling helped you?

Have you seen the new journaling Bibles? Some are for journaling in the margins and coloring. If you enjoy coloring, be sure to download my free Hope coloring page. Just enter your email at the top of the page to receive the email link of the free gift.

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Filed Under: Hope is our Anchor Tagged With: fresh air, God's grace, Journaling, self-care, words

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Comments

  1. Lisa Frisch says

    June 23, 2017 at 11:45 am

    Great information and encouragement, and I love the photo in this post. My journaling has been sporadic. I have many little journals and, while I do enjoy reading from them sometimes, they’re not organized. I am so glad that I started writing for a blog last year, though, because it ensures that I do some thoughtful writing every week 🙂

    • Barbara says

      June 27, 2017 at 1:02 pm

      Thank you Lisa for your encouragement! My journals are not organized either. I occasionally review the old ones for blog post prompts. I like how my photo turned out here, adding the anchors and text on PicMonkey. I’m glad you started a blog also, I love reading your words. Thanks for stopping by!

  2. Carol Ann says

    June 23, 2017 at 4:43 pm

    Oh Barbara! I loved this blog! I journal nearly everyday! I love looking back and seeing how much God has worked in my life! I too look back and have to give myself grace for all the things I haven’t yet done!
    Thank you for sharing with us! ?

    • Barbara says

      June 27, 2017 at 1:04 pm

      Carol Ann, So good to hear from you, my sweet friend! Good to know you are journaling and those journals will be used one day in your online home! Stay cool in that hot AZ weather!

      • Carol Ann says

        June 28, 2017 at 5:54 pm

        Love & miss you still! I love we are still connected! ?

        • Barbara says

          June 28, 2017 at 7:25 pm

          Me too! You are special to me. 🙂

  3. Cathy Klooster says

    June 28, 2017 at 6:08 pm

    Hi Barbara
    Thank you for that encouragement! I always enjoy your writings, God has blessed you with a wonderful way with words!
    Love & hugs my friend!

    • Barbara says

      June 28, 2017 at 7:28 pm

      Cathy, It’s good to hear from you! Thank you for your encouragement! And thank you for reading. Some days I want to close my blog, but God continues to nudge me to keep it up. I miss you. Love, Barb

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Welcome!


Hi Friend, Welcome to my corner of the online world, where I write to encourage and give hope. I believe everyone could use a dose of hope from time to time so whether you need hope for your marriage, your closet, or anything in between, I hope you find some encouragement here.

Having been through some hard situations, I understand what it's like to live hopeless, depressed, angry, and bitter until God rescued me in His Love and Grace. In Him, I found an Anchor to keep me safe and secure. My passion is to share how He has rescued me and give others encouragement, as He has for me.

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