A few years ago, I nervously signed up for an online course...

... given by a podcaster that I liked and who had overcome some of the obstacles that I was facing. Who better to learn from than someone who had been there, done that, themselves? It was a 12 week course with several different components: a weekly zoom Q & A call, a video and a daily journal.

I knew that journaling was not for me. I found it stressful and counterproductive. I figured that was just an added selling feature. The journal used was specifically one that she provided to all who signed up. I thumbed through it and saw that each day it asked the same questions. What were your daily goals, gratitude lists and affirmations just to name a few. All things (other than the goal piece) that I thought were a waste of time.

The video lesson the first week focused on journaling and the importance of making it a daily practice. The instructor stressed how ignoring this part of the program would be a huge mistake. She said not to be overwhelmed by it and to do the best you could.

After considering my options and the fact that I had made a sizable monetary investment, I begrudgingly agreed to give it a try. 

At first, it was a major source of stress. Being a good student, I had a need to fill it out correctly. I wasn’t the only one because questions regarding how to journal were asked over and over again at the first live zoom session.

At least I wasn’t alone. I decided to really give it a go.

Just the thought of having to make an entry in this book each day filled me with dread. At first I was a bit of a copycat, using examples the instructor had given. As the first week came to an end, I was starting to get the hang of it. I still didn’t like it but I was no longer wincing every time I caught a glimpse of the thing.

By week three I started to embrace my new morning ritual.

I began to carry it with me and refer to it throughout my day. It helped me stay on task and served as a reminder as to why I was choosing to take this course in the first place.

At the halfway mark I couldn’t imagine my life without it. How had I lived my life without this tool all these years? The answer was that I hadn’t needed it before. Why? For so many years, I was not controlling my life’s direction so a tool to keep me on track wasn’t needed.

I never understood the value and power of a gratitude or affirmation practice. I thought it was a bunch of nonsense.

Since then, I have tried many different journaling methods and have discovered a whole world waiting for me to explore. I had formed an opinion about a practice when I hadn’t even given it a try. I hate to admit it but it’s not my first offense. I had always been so quick to prejudge and say “Oh, that’s not for me” or “I don’t need that” when it was something I had never done before.

Certainly not everything new I try will stick, but I’m sure that many will. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m done closing myself off to the limitless possibilities that are out there. I have one life to live and I intend to live the rest of my life to the fullest.

Are you with me? Send me a DM on Instagram... let's continue the conversation.

Until next time,
Debbie