Today I talk about journaling, and about how I approach it.

The Daily Stoic Journal

I’ve spent the last 4 months (started at the beginning of August) writing in a journal nearly daily.

I’ve done it lots of ways, right and wrong. And I think I’ve finally worked out how to do it properly.

What is journaling?

Computer/Paper

Why should you do it?

Self awareness

Peaceful mind

Develops mindfulness

Helps see patterns

Relaxing

Can actually replace meditation

Improves your writing 

How I started journaling the wrong way

Freeform journaling

How I now journal the right way

Ask questions

Smaller chunks more often: morning, midday, right before bed

Setup a templateThe questions I ask myself

How am I feeling right now?

How am I feeling about the day ahead?

What can I accept that I can’t change?

What is the most important (not urgent) thing that I do?

What have I agreed to do, that I do not want to do?

Who do I need to be for this day to work?

What can I do today that will be a unique expression of me?

What small steps can I take to show that I am serious about loving myself?

What would scare me slightly that I could do today?

Where is my attention going right now?

How am I not being generous (with my time/words/presence)?

How am I feeling right now?

What was the most important thing I did today?

How do I feel right now?

What has brought me the most joy today?

What caused me the most inner conflict and stress?

Do I need to clear anything up?

What did I learn?

What’s one idea you had today?

What am I grateful for?

What do I need to let go?

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