Thursday, January 29, 2026

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Self-doubt is one of the major emotions we all go through. There are days when you feel overwhelmed and sluggish without any tangible reason. What can you do? You allow the heavy dark clouds of emotions and thinking to shower on the pages of your notebook, a rainstorm of words. You trust that by the end of two to three pages it will shed light on things you were only partly aware of. And it will present possible solutions to your malaise and listlessness.

I started doing serious journaling in my early fifties that encouraged me to change my profession from teaching art history and world religions to become a freelance writer. It felt the right thing to do, I wished I had started journaling sooner. Not only was I able to free my mind of distress but my heart felt light. 

Writing spontaneously, without worrying about spellings or grammar, is a potent salve for emotional suffering and physical pain. The kind of tool you use is not as important as the process of spurting in words what is happening in your heart and mind—in a notebook, into a recorder or even telling it to a confidant. 

What is your deep driving desire that you feel passionate about? Write about it over and over again until your own writing nudges you to take that first step. Journaling not only builds spiritual hope, but it also provides meaningful answers. Most importantly, it brings you closer to your body, heart and mind. It goes even deeper—it connects you to your consciousness, your wise mentor within. Write freely and watch where the practice of honest confession takes you. Keep repeating your dream or desire in your journal until it motivates you to take the first step, galvanizes you to act. You turn into words what you think and feel and your verbal expressions turn into action.

So write it down. Rage on the page. Scream silently. Visualize it and watch yourself motivated to move boldly in the right direction. Once you visualize yourself doing something you imagine, your mind begins to work in that direction and your heart cooperates. 

Acknowledge what you have accomplished already and celebrate it. Begin a healthy new routine that turns the rest of your ordinary day into an extraordinary day. Recognize your positive as well as your dark qualities. This is no ordinary feat. Keep in mind all the self-witnessing is helping you become whole, holy for yourself and ultimately for others as well as well. 

Notice all the baby steps you have been taking. By now they have turned into a meaningful path. Just keep taking steps on your spiritual journey. Don’t let anyone or anything fizzle out your enthusiasm and determination. Let the positive and good vibes float to the surface and your true self surface. Trust you can do this. Believe in yourself. Journal about where you are now and where do you want to go.