How to Journal Without Fear

Most people start journaling because they want to discover more about themselves. Sometimes they are working through a difficult situation or trying to accomplish a goal. Regardless, of the motivation for journaling the first step for everyone is to journal without fear. This can be very difficult for people who have never journaled before or who have only used their journal as a way to chronicle their daily activities. Journaling without fear can be done by anyone. All it takes is practice and a few guidelines.

Freedom

A feeling of freedom is essential to fearless journaling. You need to be able to write every deep dark thought in your journal without the feeling that someone could read your journal and misinterpret it. You never want to censor yourself within your pages. There are many ways in which your feeling of freedom can be curtail. Sometimes the sources are external, other times internal.

If what is stopping you from writing in your pages is external then you need to find ways to make your journal private. Use a lock, hide the journal, or keep it with you at all times, these are just a few ways to give you a sense of safety. Everyone has different levels of privacy and just because your level may be different from your significant other's doesn't mean you have to acquiesce. You have the right to not share your journal with anyone else. That includes spouses.

Sometimes what stops you from journaling freely is internal. There might be something in your past or present emotional state which doesn't allow you to fully express yourself. In this situation you start by making a list of subjects you want to explore. Don't limit yourself to subjects you know you can write about. It is important to list those subjects you would like to explore, but know you cannot. Now, take those subjects you absolutely cannot explore and write out why you can't explore them. What is stopping you? Why is this stopping you? How would you feel if you could explore these topics? How would you approach these topics? The goal is to slowly chip away at your resistance until you are writing freely about anything and everything in your life.

Curiosity

In your journal you are exploring that wonderfully complex individual known as you. You are the fascinating center of your journaling world. Be curious, ask questions, push yourself and never let up. You are a fearless journal writer. You will stop at nothing to get the full and complete story. When you write something don't take it at face value. Re-read your entries with an open mind. Ask yourself, Why did I write this? Do I still feel the same way? How would I re-write this now? Would I re-write this? Why or why not? Don't be afraid to investigate yourself. How else will you learn?

Honesty

It is important to be brutally honest with yourself. Don't give yourself any slack. Write out whatever you are thinking and feeling and don't sugar coat it. If you catch yourself making excuses or feeling sorry for yourself then point it out. Go ahead and write out the excuses and have your pity party. After you are finished, take a different colored pen and call it like you see it. Fearless journal writers don't lie to themselves. They write the truth and respect it.

Commitment

Fearless journaling takes commitment. You have to be committed to the process of writing in your journal. You have to be committed to the process of discovering your truth. You have to be committed to the process of self examination. You cannot expect to sit down a few times a month and make any real breakthroughs. This is an ongoing conversation. Make the commitment to daily journaling.

Use these few guidelines as a beginning to your fearless journal writing experience. As you continue your journaling you may have other values you want to integrate. Regardless, it is important to approach your journal with a free and open mind and heart. Don't let fear stop you from exploring your world.