The year is coming to an end and we will be ushering in the New Year in less than 60 days. As time passes, our needs change, we evolve and the demands of life change as well. Some of us, the children are older or even adults and yet some of us are starting to raise a family or have more children.

Now is the time to find out what works and what didn’t work this year, what has been neglected…and much more. In other words, it’s time to take inventory or do a life assessment. Asking questions and keeping a journal may help in this process. If you are not challenging yourself to take this step, you’ll end up being stagnant and stuck with the old.

Let’s face it…there are some things that truthfully did not work this year. So, let’s get uncomfortable and find the truths about “ME” by starting a journal with specific keys to help us in our journey. During a recent seminar in Orlando, PJ McClure emphasized the importance of journaling. He found out that people who live a fulfilled and focused life keep a journal. This really hit me because I used to journal everyday years ago and somehow I fell out of that routine.

Do you keep a journal? Here are nine reasons why we should keep a journal:

One: Face the truths
When we carve out at least 15 minutes sitting quietly without interruption or noise, we are bound to shift our thoughts into thinking mode. Thoughts about the events of the day, our emotions, dreams, failures, hurts…everything begins to appear.

When you start writing down more thoughts will flow.

Two: Emotions
As more thoughts flow, emotions that have been buried may arise. One way to express disappointment and joy is to keep a journal. You can’t tell everyone your disappointment or joy at all times. They may not be interested or it is not appropriate.

Three: Connect with your heart
Busyness may have left us disconnected with our own desires and dreams. In order to have a more fulfilled life, we need to keep moving towards a positive change and connect with our heart and ask questions:

What makes me happy?
Why am I unhappy?
What is working – in relationship with my children, spouse, work, business?
What is not working – in relationship with children, spouse, work, business?
What motivates me and makes me hop out of bed?
What puts fire in my belly?
What don’t I like about my life right now?
What changes can I make?
Just a few questions to get you started.

Four: Prayer and connecting with God
Journaling time spent praying and connecting with God opens up windows of heaven and also opportunity to hear from God and write down what we heard. It can be a time to bring our request to God.

Years later when you look back, you may find most of the prayers answered.

Five: Clarity
Journaling helps bring clarity to our mind. It is like writing a road map everyday.

Six: Events and lessons learned
We are keeping a record of the events in our life. It is also a great way to write down lessons learned from our children, success, and failure, people we meet and what we eat.

Psychiatrist M. Scott Peck said in his book, “The Road Less Traveled”:

Most do not fully see this truth that life is difficult. Instead they moan more or less incessantly…about the enormity of their problems, their burdens, and their difficulties as if life were generally easy, as if life should be easy.

John Maxwell said we sometimes assume anything that’s difficult must be impossible…tempted to throw in the towel and assume it’s unattainable. (Source: Today Matters by John C. Maxwell)

How do you want your life to look like next year? (Borrowing this question from PJ McClure) Is it time to keep a journal and find out the truths about you…your potential, your weaknesses and strengths?

 

Disclaimer: This information is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. It’s strictly for informational, educational, or entertainment purposes ONLY. The products I talk about are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, treat or cure any illness or disease. Any information I give you about them is for informational or entertainment purposes only. They have not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. Please seek the qualified health professional of your choice when making health decisions for yourself, your family and your pets.