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As the world turns, we continuously notice changes in ourselves and our surroundings. And with every thought or action comes a reaction that can either make or break us. But, are we truly learning by just watching and living? Are we allowing the most valuable life lessons to just breeze past us? What else can we do to retain the information that flows through our everyday lives?

Pay attention to the signs, take notes and proceed.

Self-work isn’t an easy task, but it isn’t impossible either. It is the greatest work that we will do in life; in a sense, it’s our only work, and we should take it more seriously. If we base our worth entirely on gaining love from the external world, we will never be capable of achieving self-love. We spend so much time waiting to be loved, hoping, searching, yearning for that special love…and feeling empty without it. Your worth is in the core of your own self. You may not see it, but it’s ever present, and thankfully it’s never too late to grow.

The most important decision in your life, the one that will affect every other decision you make, is the commitment to love and accept yourself. A healthy self-esteem can help overcome depression; put an end to self-destructive behavior, negative thinking and self-loathing dialogue. It starts with being aware of the message you are sending your true self, not your ego. Journaling is a highly helpful activity during the process of learning how to love yourself. There is self-discovery in journaling; it’s not just a book to keep a bland generic record of our lives. It ultimately becomes a tool for self-evaluation, self-improvement and eventually an abundance of self-love. With each entry, we have a chance to examine our lives, review our thoughts, reactions to situations and identify our patterns of thinking and feelings that have been triggered – this is how we get to know ourselves. You’ll be shocked at what you see and what you learn!

Some of the biggest names in the entertainment world have kept journals filled with their deepest feelings, secrets and fears. Through their music, lyrics and art they give the world an open view of their own joys and tribulations. Recently, Beyonce gave us a look into her very private thoughts through a documentary journal which she created on her laptop. She said it was one of the most therapeutic things she’s ever done.

Now’s your chance to start. 

4 Tips on Journaling: 

1. Don’t Overthink

Journaling should be a flow. Keep it simple and authentic. Write as if you are the only one who will ever read it.

2. Be Discrete 

Your thoughts are valuable, so protect them. Your journaling privacy is essential to the process. Keep your writings in a very safe place or perhaps use your laptop or phone to journal. This way you can use a password. However, I do enjoy traditional handwriting more.

3. Journal Frequently

This is important. Make journaling a lifestyle. You can journal in the morning or at night, at lunch or on the bus. You have to use your journal as a life reference. The more information entered, the more you will recognize your life patterns.

4. Make it Fun! 

This should not be looked at as a chore, in fact, it is a form of meditation. At the top of your page enter the date and your location. Sometimes I draw pictures in between my paragraphs just to add to the creative flow. 

Follow these tips and you’re on your way to falling deeper in love with the greatest person in the world.. You.

 

The LifeStyleHer Files are bi-weekly lifestyle posts produced and curated by Mashonda Tifrere exclusively for GlobalGrind.com. The LifeStyleHer will focus on all things women, aiming to enrich the womanly mind, body and soul.