Self Reflection

I’ve always been both in awe and jealous of people who have the dedication to keep a daily journal. I’ve kept a journal for trips that I’ve gone on, such as the Germany trip with All Saints or my family’s trip to Thailand, but I struggle to write a journal entry every day when I’m in my normal routine.

Every time I try, I never manage to keep it up for more than two weeks. Eventually, I’ll have a busy day, and time will be short in the evening, and the journal is an easy thing to skip. When I finally sit down to write an entry, I realize that I have no momentous events or clever insights to share. I become so concerned with having an enthralling read that I stop writing altogether.

Instead, I do my best self-reflection through walking. Heading out into nature and going for a hike is the best way for me to work through my thoughts and collate them. When the winter weather makes that difficult, that’s when I turn back to journals, even though I know that they won’t last very long.

It is important to stop and reflect, especially when things are busy or difficult. Take a minute today, through journaling, talking with a friend, or taking a walk, to recognize your emotions and consider where they come from. Then go forward into Advent with a mind more prepared.