# HOW I JOURNAL (for nostalgia, reflection & mental health) ![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/fvZg5qyzvSM/maxresdefault.jpg) ## When I started journaling [(00:00:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=0s) - Journaling began at an early age with encouragement from a grandmother who was a teacher. [(00:00:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=4s) - At age 17, bullet journaling began as a way to mix creativity, organization, and reflection. [(00:00:34)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=34s) - By age 18, journaling became an outlet for processing difficult emotions and experiences. [(00:00:52)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=52s) ## Bedside Journal [(00:03:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=184s) - A bedside journal is kept to record unfiltered thoughts and emotions with no expectations for the writing or for it to be shared. [(00:03:37)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=217s) - To make time for journaling, 30 minutes are reserved before bed, allowing for flexibility to write or go to bed early. [(00:05:04)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=304s) - The act of finishing a journal, while not the goal, highlights the importance of journaling and self-reflection. [(00:06:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=376s) ## Mental Clarity Journal [(00:06:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=396s) - A transition was made from a physical bullet journal to a digital organization system, leading to the repurposing of the physical journal. [(00:06:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=409s) - The repurposed journal is used as a space for mental clarity and reflection, specifically to address anxieties and fears. [(00:07:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=420s) - A monthly reflection practice is used to process thoughts, fears, and projects, breaking them down into manageable steps. [(00:09:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=579s) ## Monthly Reflection Prompts [(00:09:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=589s) - To begin monthly reflection prompts, one should curate a list of life topics or aspects to reflect on each month. [(00:09:58)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=598s) - Reflecting on these topics can be done by formulating questions related to them, focusing on feelings, energy levels, or any other relevant aspect. [(00:11:39)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=699s) - Monthly reflections can also include specific questions outside of broader life topics, such as tracking savings or assessing satisfaction with certain areas. [(00:14:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=840s) ## Journaling for Mental Health [(00:14:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=895s) - [[Mental health]] is broken down into specific topics for monthly reflection, such as anxiety, identity, self-esteem, and relationships. [(00:15:17)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=917s) - Writing positive affirmations, especially at the end of entries, helps reframe unhealthy beliefs by extracting what is needed to feel positive about life's direction. [(00:16:18)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=978s) - Journaling for mental health is about self-awareness and understanding, not necessarily finding immediate conclusions, and it can help identify questions to explore further with a therapist. [(00:16:42)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvZg5qyzvSM&t=1002s)