093: Journaling Could Be What You Need to Stay Mentally Aware and Sharp

I probably don't have to tell you that as you age your thoughts ebb and flow like the tide.

The fact that they enter you consciousness is an indication that your mind is working.

But those thoughts, insights, experiences, and wisdom-nuggets that come to mind and then evaporate into the atmosphere - those could be worth keeping for the most part.

So the obvious question: what are you doing to preserve your wonderings?

I've discovered that the practice or habit of journalling captures your thoughts and preserves them for whatever future value you can attach to them.

I'm a writer, so I'm guessing you'd expect me to be a fan.

Even so, you might be surprised to know that even writers like myself lose valuable insights because they have no place to ruminate on them.

Journalling has given me space through the years to log flashes of insight, goals, dreams, and ideas for my own or someone else's benefit.

Don't get me wrong - I journal for me.

Frankly, much of my scribblings wouldn't land in any way that makes sense to you.

But that's not the point.

Journaling as you age provides essential self-awareness, contributes to mental sharpness, and chronicles your legacy

I find that most avoid or resist keeping a journal thinking, "What the heck would I write about...?"

Or, thinking that a journal entry has to be some polished, publishable piece of prose.

Those thoughts and more have kept this practice at arms length from far too many...and perhaps you.

So allow me to de-bug journaling for you.

• Keep it simple
• Follow prompts
• Be aware

Establish a simple journaling routine

Journalling daily doesn't require anything fancy - especially when you start out.

I began journalling with a couple of those empty, blank page books I received as graduation gifts back in my late teen years.

Next, I transitioned to those black-and-white camo-looking "composition books" (you know, the ones you might have used in school to write essay assignments in).

They're cheap and provide a clean space to lay down some thoughts.

I have desk drawer full of them as I have used them through the years.

Beyond those rudimentary notebooks I started using Moleskine notebooks.

For years this brand of notebook provided the daily journaling canvas for my thoughts.

Again, I have stacks of them that I filled with thoughts and insights through the years.

Being firmly committed to journaling, a few years ago I purchased a leather, refillable journal crafted by Paper Republic, a company I admire for their product quality and overall vibe.

It’s now my side-kick journal and will likely last me the rest of my life.

A word about pens or pencils (whatever your preference): start simple here as well and upgrade as you choose.

Remember the paper and pen are merely tools of the craft - your thoughts and insights are the essence.

Follow the inspiration by using journaling prompts

This question always comes up: "what to write and how much to write?"

Again, simplicity applies.

I date each day's entry and then follow a series of prompts as I write in my journal.

And each brief prompt produces nothing more than a sentence or two.

• “I’m grateful for…”
• “I’m excited about…”
• “I want to…”
• “I want to avoid…”
• “I need to…”

Write each prompt and let your mind and pen go where each prompt leads.

Don’t overthink it or ponder too long; let your present, front-of-mind thoughts take over.

The surprising result is that you will likely expand on each whether in your journal or in your conscious thoughts throughout the day.

Try the above prompts or…

Go with a full gratitude focus - listing what you're grateful for as you begin or end each day.

The good thing about journaling prompts is that you have something to connect your conscious thoughts to instead of being intimidated by the blank page staring at you.

Observe and reflect

"Write what you see..."1

That biblical reference is tucked away in a Old Testament narrative.

And while it's only a small portion of the intended context there's value to your practice of journaling.

Basically, journal entries are generally observations as in, writing "what you see."

Beyond that they're also reflections on a particular observance, experience, or a moment of life playing out in front of you.

Observation and reflection journaling is fundamental to the process.

Once you get comfortable with following prompts you'll begin to see life through a more reflective lens.

That's when journaling becomes more a part of your daily routine.

• Keep your journal and pen/pencil with you - and if you're in a pinch cue up the notes app on your smartphone and jot your observation(s) to prompt an entry when your journal is on hand.
• Be a student of life - observe and reflect on people, places, things...and your own experiences.
• Preserve your observations and reflections as part of your legacy - each journal entry instills the reality of your impact and influence.

Journaling gives you limitless freedom to express yourself while exercising your mind as you age

• Keep your journaling habit simple
• Follow helpful journaling prompts
• Preserve your observations and reflections

Press on...

Eddie

Sources:

1-Habakkuk 2:3, The Bible, Message Translation.