The Benefits of Journaling (And Why You Should Write a Letter to Your Younger Self!)

Sometimes life takes you by surprise…suddenly you find yourself somewhere you don’t really want to be, or somewhere you never imagined.

Have you ever realized your past decisions have brought you right here, right now, to this place in your life?

Journaling can help you discover this.

After years of beating myself up, worrying about food, exercise, diets, my body, and the number on the scale, I realize it was all for good reason.

I had to go through that to get to today.

It’s changed and freed me from the chains of my own self-hatred.

And I may not have realized it if not for journaling and other self-development practices I’ve done over the years.

I want to share with you today some of the benefits of journaling.

Not only will you learn how to journal, you will move further down the road of self-discovery!

The past shapes the future

Do you ever think to yourself “If I only knew then what I know now?”

It’s common to look back on the past and think we could have side-stepped some hardships if we had had the wisdom and experience we have now.

But it’s those same challenges that brought us that wisdom in the first place.

Experience shapes not only who we are but who we become.

And through the self-discovery voyage our journal takes us on, we’re much more aware of these changes as they take place.

Journaling and self-development

Have you ever written a letter to your younger self?  

It can help you realize how much you’ve grown, and how some of the hardest times you’ve gone through contributed positively to your life now.

Maybe you are stronger, more resilient, or wiser.

Maybe you realize you are so much more than the size of your body or a number on the scale.

Think about some of your wisdom and experiences, and how you might send them to your past.

I’ve been journaling for years and using my writing as a tool for self-discovery and development.

This letter to my younger self brought me profound insights about my path. A similar letter can do the same for you.

My letter to my younger self

Dear Annie,

This life will get complicated.

It will be hard, frustrating, and confusing at times.

It will be filled with periods of pain and joy.

There may be times when you will want to crawl under the covers and stay in bed, and other times you will find yourself jumping up and down on your bed with pure joy.  

There will be disappointment and failure, accompanied by sadness, anger, shame, or guilt.

During these times, remember this:

• These moments DO NOT DEFINE YOU!
• These feelings are real. Validate and love them and know they will pass.
• These are the times when you will learn and grow, gain strength, knowledge, compassion, understanding, and resilience.
• These experiences may come again, and you will be better prepared.
• You will look back at these times and nod your head in understanding.
• THIS PERIOD WILL NOT LAST FOREVER! (even though it feels like it will)

There will also be victories and successes that will be accompanied by feelings of happiness, confidence, warmth, and exhilaration.  

During these times remember this:

Make time to CELEBRATE THESE MOMENTS!   

All too often women move right onto the next big thing, without taking time to celebrate the success.

Instead…

• Cherish them. Write them down. Capture them so you can share the feelings and experiences with others (friends, family, grandchildren).
• Think about the hard work and determination that gets overlooked in the accomplishment of a success. Realize that it didn’t “just happen”. Know that you made it happen through hard work, dedication, and celebrate!
• Know that this feeling or time will not last forever either. Our lives naturally have an ebb and flow.
• These moments and experiences become part of your story. They make you who you are…your own unique, special, one of a kind YOU!

Annie, there are a few other tidbits I would like to share with you:

• You can agree to disagree with others.

• Communication is an important skill to continue to work on.

• Stay true to your values.

• Trust your gut.

• Bodies come in all different sizes and shapes.

• Weight does not dictate health.

• Food is not the enemy, it can be your friend.

• You never know other people’s stories.

• Surround yourself with people you respect, like to be around, and who give you energy.

• Dare to be different. What other people think of you is their business.

• Your career, family, successes, failures, or body size do not define who you are.

• Your imperfections make you perfect.

• Develop an internal voice that is kind and compassionate.

• And treat yourself like your own best friend.

Live this life for today. Don’t put off doing anything because of your size, weight, or thoughts about what other people will think.

With much appreciation and love,

Annie

A Journaling Exercise For You

Your turn!

Write your own letter to your younger self.

What do you want to say as you look back on a younger you? What lessons have you learned or are you still learning now, that you can share with her?

Are you ready for guidance to find freedom in your body, freedom with food, freedom from your inner critic?

I’ve been there, and I can help!

I’d love to support you in your journey. Schedule a Complimentary Clarity Call today!

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3 Steps for More Positive Self-Talk

9 Steps to Ultimate Self-Acceptance

Roll with Changes by Shaping Your Perspective