Unlocking My Thoughts: The Power of Weekend Journaling
Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day to all! As I enjoy this day off from teaching, I find it the perfect moment to reflect on my recent journey with journaling. Over the past few months, I've shifted from sporadic journaling to embracing the habit at least once or twice a week, especially on the weekends. This change has been a gamechanger for my mental clarity and well-being.
For those new here, I’m Dee, a middle school STEAM teacher, guiding the curious minds of 6th to 8th graders. My weekdays are a whirlwind of creative projects and inquisitive students, which often leaves my thoughts feeling like a tangled web by the time the dismissal bell rings.
I often catch myself at work, eagerly anticipating the calm of my journal pages to sort through the day’s chaos. Yet, when I arrive home, this anticipation sometimes turns into an overwhelming paralysis. The thought of opening my journal, let alone writing, freezes me. It's as if all the clarity I craved moments before evaporates.
Despite this challenge, I'm proud of the progress I've made. Journaling even a few times a week is a significant step from where I started. Each entry helps me untangle a bit more of the mental chaos, offering glimpses of tranquility and insight that were harder to come by before.
I've found that setting a gentle routine for weekend journaling has been incredibly beneficial. It’s less about the frequency and more about the quality of the time I dedicate to it. Whether it’s reflecting on the highs and lows of the week or doodling away my stress, each session is a step toward mental clarity.
However, I’m still learning to navigate the mental blocks that occasionally cloud my desire to write. Sometimes, it’s about not forcing the words to come but rather letting them flow naturally, even if they trickle slowly at first. Other times, it’s about creating a comforting environment that beckons me to open up—be it through calming music, a cozy nook, or a cup of my favorite tea.
As I continue on this journey, I am curious about how others overcome similar challenges. How do you find consistency in your creative or reflective practices? What strategies do you use to combat the paralysis that comes with creative blocks?
Your thoughts and suggestions are always welcome, as they enrich our collective journey towards better understanding ourselves and the world around us. Let's continue to support each other in unlocking the power of our thoughts, one journal entry at a time.