Summary

An individual engages in a dialogue with their journal, exploring the potential of journaling as a tool for self-discovery and personal transformation.

Abstract

The narrative describes a person's initial encounter with journaling at dawn, equipped with a new leather-bound notebook. Despite the anticipation and the inspiring quote that welcomes them, the individual faces a writer's block, feeling anxious and uncertain about the process. However, through an internal dialogue, the journal personified as the individual's alter voice, reassures them of its role as a facilitator rather than a prescriber of solutions. The conversation unfolds skepticism about the simplicity of journaling in the face of life's complexities, yet it also reveals the journal's purpose: to help the individual uncover their own insights and map out their personal journey. The piece concludes with the individual acknowledging the unique value of this two-way communication and expressing a commitment to continue the dialogue with the journal.

Opinions

The author initially doubts the transformative power of journaling, finding the concept of writing down thoughts to be overly simplistic.
The journal is portrayed as a non-judgmental space that encourages openness and believes in the individual's ability to find their own answers.
There is a sense of apprehension about the act of writing, especially when overwhelmed with negative emotions, suggesting a preference for action over reflection.
The journal's role is clarified as a mirror to one's thoughts, not a guide, emphasizing the individual's autonomy in self-discovery.
The individual comes to appreciate the journal as a partner in conversation, recognizing the potential for this practice to lead to personal growth and new perspectives.
The author, identified as Nishith, is presented as a multi-faceted individual with a passion for personal transformation, as evidenced by his various roles and the resources he offers to others seeking self-improvement.

A Dialogue That Drew Me Closer to the Journaling Habit

Open the channel, and your journal will speak to you.

It’s 5:30 A.M.

I woke up early to feel the world of Journaling. The world is raving about it. Everyone is gung-ho about the change in their life which journal writing is bringing.

I want to taste and experience my share too.

And, here I am with a new shining 200-page leather-bound notebook. The fresh smell and the crispiness of the papers! I want to feel special when I write those first words.

I turn the hard-bound cover page. A beautiful quote greets me to this brand-new world.

“Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.”

— Christina Baldwin

I let the quote seep in. I close my eyes and welcome the deep feeling.

I turn the quote to face a blank page. The page is crying for my attention.

I entered the day, date, and time.

And then everything goes blank!

I am numb!

I don't have words.

The blank lines are not comfortable anymore. I am growing anxious. The diary is crying out loud for me to write and share what I feel. But I am not ready. I am scared, confused, and blank.

Then a voice enters my mind.

The voice asks me to speak to the journal.

Reluctantly, I start the conversation.

Me: Hi, I am here because I have heard a lot about you. I don’t know you, and you don’t know me. I feel like I am doing the stupidest thing I have ever done in my life.

Journal: Hi, I welcome you. You say I don’t know you, and you don’t know me. But that’s not true. I am your alter voice. We know each other for long. Have faith. Have belief.

Me: It sounds strange. How is it possible that we know each other for a long but never had an opportunity to speak?

Journal: Strange it may sound, but I was waiting for you. Today, you are here, and I am happy for you and me.

Me: I am here, and I want to confirm this one more time that you believe that I will find an abundance of positive energy in your company?

Journal: Yes, I am sure that our life together will bring a lot of wonderful colors.

Me: I am not sure why, but I feel that the whole idea of me putting down my thoughts to you is “idealistically simple” and cannot achieve the positivity and change in perspective that you promise.

Journal: Wow, you just confirmed what we could together achieve!

Me: No. I am not here to listen to your “I am your only savior” argument. I am looking forward to a conversation and a debate that satisfies me about the possibilities that are on offer. Till you and I touch a common ground, I will not offer you my heart and soul.

Journal: Well then, I am all yours. Please ask me what questions you have and how can I help you achieve what you want from your life?

Me: First of all, let me tell you that before I came to you, I have heard stories, experiences, and everything positive about you. Every time I listened to the stories, I wondered how everything could be so simple? Life is so complicated; there are so many struggles, our days are full of confusion and apprehension. How can a simple habit of writing down my thoughts help me overcome everything and become a new version of myself?

Journal: You may please continue. I am eager to listen to you. Don’t stop.

Me: Please don’t mind, but I have no intentions to offend you or disregard the stories I had heard about you. I feel writing needs a relaxed mind. And, if my mind is full of negative emotions and feelings, it’s tough to pull a pen and start writing. Don’t you think “doing” something about the things that bother me is important than sitting with a piece of paper and making bullet points on how I feel? That sounds so ridiculously simple and confusing.

Journal: I am happy you are opening up to me. This conversation is going in the right direction.

Me: So tell me, if I write down my thoughts and let you read them, how can you help me find the right path?

Journal: I am no one to show you the right path. You already possess the map inside you. I will only help you to unveil itself to you. When you write, you allow the map to reveal itself.

Me: So how should I start? I have no clue what to write on this first page?

Journal: Why not note down all this conversation for a start?

Me: Hmmmm….that sounds a great thought.

Journal: I welcome you again to express what you have in your mind. I promise you; we will together try and make a new friendship with your mind. When you do that, your mind will help you create better ideas and thoughts.

Me: Thanks. I would urge you to keep this communication channel open because I have so much to ask you. Do I have your support?

Journal: I am You. You are Me. We both are always there for each other.

The chat between me and my journal book will continue. Even after writing a journal every day, I realized that an opportunity to convert it into a two-way conversation is something special.

I hope we both can create more meaningful conversations and I get answers that can change my perspective and bring out something new from within.

Nishith is a Marathoner, an avid reader, author, YouTuber, Podcaster, a diarist, a personal transformation coach, and creator of a unique self-transformation platform — “Be Better Bit-By-Bit.”

Grab your copy of his debut book — Be Better Bit-By-Bit and listen to his podcasts Be Better Bit-By-Bit and 10 Bullets — 100 Words Book Summary.