Three Ways to Get to Know Yourself Better

Journaling is a great way to record what is going on in your life, as well as help you process your thoughts. It can also be very therapeutic, and can help you get to know yourself better. Writing your thoughts in a journal can provide you with insight into your own thoughts; perhaps even ones you did not know existed! Here are three ways you can use journaling to get to know yourself better....

1. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write anything that comes to you. This tactic can be very useful, especially if you have a desire to journal but do not know what to write about. You might be surprised by what comes up! Allow yourself to be honest and vulnerable in your writing. You can rip it up and throw it away when you are done if you feel the need to, but giving yourself the space to write freely for a set amount of time can help you open up. It can also help you potentially address issues that you weren't aware were bothering you and have made their way onto paper.
2.  Write about “Things I love.” Write about what makes you happy, and what brings you joy. How often do you ask yourself about the things in life that you love? Write them down, and add to this list regularly. It will help you stay in tune with what you are passionate about and what you enjoy in life.
3. Write a conversation with your 90 year old self.  Try to imagine yourself at 90 years old, reflecting back on your life. What would you want yourself to know? What could you do or experience that would have a positive impact in your life? This writing exercise could help you look at your day to day life and help you to perhaps take bigger risks, or re-evaluate some of your goals.           

Journaling is a great way to get to know yourself better. It can provide you with insight into your thoughts and new topics to explore that you are first learning about because you have never spoken them out loud. With regular practice, you may find that you truly enjoy journaling, and might even want to incorporate it into your daily routine.  Happy writing!