The hustle and bustle of our daily lives can often lead us to neglecting out personal needs. Needs like getting enough sleep or making sure we ate enough throughout the day. It's hard sometimes to find that balance of work, school, sleep, hitting the gym, and having a social life. At the end of the day you feel overwhelmed or stressed. Do you feel like you're going through the same motions and nothing is ever really getting done? It's okay, me too.

Life doesn't have to continue to be this way! It may seem like something only a silly teenage girl would do, but keeping a journal is the next step to a more fulfilling life. So get out that pen and paper, let's talk about why.

I bet you have so many things you want to accomplish, but you can't seem to get there.

You're going to get healthy.

You're going to get more organized.

You're going to learn that guitar that's sitting in the corner of your room.

You're going to get better at saving.

The list goes on and on, but nothing ever gets checked off right? Having a journal will help you manifest your goals. When you wake up in the morning, before checking your phone or hopping on Facebook, take those extra minutes to write down what you want to tackle for the day. Review them and tap into what you want for your life and big picture goals. It's okay if you don't nail all of them everyday, but that doesn't mean that you don't put in 100%. As you read and rewrite your goals, they will become a part of you and you just won't feel right if they don't get done.

Journaling is also good for stimulating your creative mind. For those of us that like to write, whether it be poetry, articles, or books, journaling can help you tap into the deep corners of your mind. Taking the time to sit with a pen and paper can help de-clutter your thoughts, making them easier to put together. If you're trying to channel into your creative flow, find a quiet space, put your phone aside and get lost in your creative projects like you know you can!

Getting into the habit of journaling everyday can seem time consuming, but it is so rewarding. By doing this everyday, it clears your emotions and gives you clarity on what needs to be in your life and what doesn't. It's what I like to call therapy without the hefty price tag. Writing in my journal every night has allowed me to increase my focus, release any pent-up thoughts or emotions, let go of the past, and has left me feeling empowered when I see my goals becoming reality.

The new year is just around the corner and whether you believe in resolutions or not, starting a journal with a few goals in mind is an awesome way to start off a positive year. Happy journaling !

"A personal journal is an ideal environment in which to “become”. It is a perfect place for you to think, feel, discover, expand, remember, and dream.” - Brad Wilcox