Every month, I have the privilege in my First Word column to share with our readers a few words, thoughts, and ideas that are either on my mind or related to current events or stories in the issue. It might surprise you, but it’s not always easy!
Every day I keep a journal of my fitness routine, making sure I remember what I’ve done and what areas I need to concentrate on, so as not to duplicate the exercises from a few days ago. The benefit it has brought to my focus time at the gym is amazing, and it allows me to have clarity before I head in.
This type of journaling is easy, but other types, like storytelling, take a lot more work. A pen coupled with paper is a powerful life tool. I can remember as a little girl I loved to write poetry; it was an outlet that allowed me to share my feelings of the day, but with the ability to remain a little anonymous. To this day, I still write things down on paper. I create lists, jot down ideas and thoughts and even have a few short positive words posted on my computer to look at when I might be having an “off” day.
Journaling regularly is a tough practise, but I always feel great afterwards. There is lots of research that says if you struggle with stress, depression, or anxiety, keeping a journal can help you gain control of your emotions and improve your mental health. I know what you’re thinking: “writing a few sentences a day may keep the doctor away, but so will eating lima beans! Why should I bother journaling when I’ve already got so much on my plate?” The act of writing accesses your left brain, which is analytical and rational. While your left brain is occupied, your right brain is free to create, understand and feel. In sum, writing removes mental blocks and allows you to use all of your brainpower to better understand yourself, others and the world around you. Keeping a journal helps establish order when the world feels like it’s in chaos. It helps you get to know yourself by revealing your innermost fears, thoughts and feelings. Look at your writing time as personal relaxation time, a time when you destress and wind down.
When writing First Word, I sometimes have no idea what might come of it or where the words will take me, but often it focuses on the thoughts of the day, the people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had. This is what I love about it. So try it. Allow yourself to escape into your world and be better for it!
