By Kim Ades
RISMEDIA, September 5, 2008-When confronted with a decision, there is clearly no better way to consider our options, determine the potential, or contemplate our feelings than writing it down. Keeping a journal is as simple as this nursery rhyme; we need no more than a pen and paper to chronicle our life journey.
The words that we write in our journals have the power to transform our lives; from confronting our battles, personal demons and deep dark secrets to exploring and exposing our fantasies, dreams, hopes and aspirations. Writing allows us to envision the kinds of miracles and joys we’d love to see come into our world. It allows us to reframe our life experiences by giving us a forum in which to express and redirect our thoughts. When we write, we engage in a very different process-one that is experiential. When we write down our thoughts, feelings, or desires, we allow them to come to life. In the written word, our dreams and goals become tangible, are validated, and are more valuable.
Oprah Winfrey is a huge advocate of journaling, and has even featured the process on her show. For years, Oprah dreamed of creating her own television network. In fact, she says, “In 1992, I wrote in my journal that I had a vision of creating my own network…,” and in January, she announced that she was partnering with the Discovery Channel to launch OWN-the Oprah Winfrey Network. Writing is a powerful, powerful tool to visualize and manifest our dreams.
Do we need any more proof of the power of writing?
Studies have proven that top performers use the tool of writing to fuel their careers and fulfill their dreams. Therefore, consider these five benefits of journaling:
1. Writing provides a vehicle by which we can let go of the things that are clouding our thoughts and getting in our way. It provides a way for us to gain a heightened awareness of our thoughts and actions. It’s personal; there is no judgment; it is true and authentic; and the only commentary comes from us.
2. Writing in a journal allows us to connect to our inner voice, and provides us with a clean slate on which we can chart a path, plot, plan, envision, create, and explore the possibilities in our lives.
3. The act of journaling allows us to reflect, step back and look at our lives, and consider our past, present and future thoughts and dreams. A journal gives us the perspective to switch tracks-to see what is working for us and what is not and make changes.
4. The act of writing invites us to engage our imagination, and as such, taps into a very powerful resource. We start to design, craft, and write the story of our life the way we would like it to be. It calls us to take action.
5. Writing is the vehicle that allows us to get from where we are now to where we want to be. As we do this, we are actually creating a shift in our mind, and that shift starts to attract and draw the things that we want in our lives toward us.
To keep a journal is to gain insight into ourselves. It’s the place to plan a spectacular menu, bake a sumptuous pie and set the mood for our vision. Indeed, a place to make it rain.
Kim Ades, MBA, is president of Opening Doors and Frame of Mind Coaching. Visit www.capturemoresales.com and download free: “The Seven Secrets to Adjusting your Frame of Mind to Attract More Real Estate Sales Sooner.” Contact her at kim@openingdoors.tv.
