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The Secret To Becoming Smarter, Happier, And Successful All Starts With A Pen And A Paper

Stand out against the crowd. The answer is so simple you'd have to reread the sentence.

Eunice Koomson

Jun 12, 2018

Louisiana State University

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Everyone wants to be smarter, reach their goals, find inner peace, be happy in every and any way. But how does one exactly do that?

You'll need two things: pen and paper.

Seriously. If you have the chance to, go grab some now and take notes.

Journaling has way more benefits than you may think. It can help strengthen your vocabulary and also keep your mind active as well as keeping your creative juices flowing. It brings you to a state of mindfulness which is super important if you are feeling frustrated or down. Taking time to sit and journal can allow you to actually take a timeout from life and get your thoughts together.

You can learn so much more about yourself including your inner fears or wants. You can see your dreams and then desire to achieve them. It is the only place you can be 100% raw with yourself without judgment, offering an unexpected sense of healing when dealing with tough situations. Journaling offers so much for those who do it.

And no, it is not only for writers.

shooketh.

There are so many ways to go about journaling but I will show you two options to choose from. These prompts are for anyone, looking to improve their writing journey; experiencing writer's block; any beginners looking to start writing; or if you're bored and you want to spend your time being productive!

Here are some things to keep in mind when approaching these prompts: set at least 15 minutes to 30 minutes a day, aim to write 3-4x a week for at least a month, take slow and thoughtful deep breathes. You want to get into a clear headspace when writing (or write when your mind is in a jumbled state and see what you create) the more you write, the better! Don't be discouraged !

~Let's journal~

For Self-Discovery

What's draining my energy? How can I reduce or cut it out?

What makes me come alive? When was the last time I truly felt alive?

At the end of my life, what do I want my legacy to be?

If you would like to read the full list of self-discovery journaling prompts, check out this video: How to Journal + 30 Journaling Prompts for Self Discovery

Stream of Consciousness

Write for 15-30 minutes straight about any and everything! If you are ever stuck and blank out you can literally write "ugh I don't know what to write. I have nothing to write, blah blah blah..." The key is to KEEP WRITING & DO NOT STOP! Eventually you will have something to write about. Even if you end up writing "idk" down the page for 30 mins, take the time to reflect on that. Why did your mind go so blank? Maybe you aren't used to releasing your thoughts? Stream of consciousness journaling will become easier as you practice it more!

Use this prompt as a way to spark a possible poem, story, reflection, etc. Go back to your journal entry and circle any words or phrases that stick to you and then use them to create a new piece

Fun twist: Write with your eyes close! I did this exercise at a writing summer camp once and the result was odd but extremely interesting. Close your eyes and set pen to paper!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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25 Beatles Lyrics: Your Go-To Guide for Every Situation

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

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For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

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Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

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college students waiting in a long line in the hallway

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Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

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Recommended for you

The Secret To Becoming Smarter, Happier, And Successful All Starts With A Pen And A Paper

Stand out against the crowd. The answer is so simple you'd have to reread the sentence.

For Self-Discovery

Stream of Consciousness

Subscribe to our Newsletter

The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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