How journaling changed my life: A life strategist shares her journey

Life strategist Arpita Bhandari breaks down the importance of journaling and how it helped her lead a better life.
journaling for improving mental health
Journaling can help you improve your mental health! Image courtesy: Arpita Bhandari
Reader Submission Published: 22 Jun 2021, 06:41 pm IST
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Personally, the idea of journaling holds a very significant place in my life. It has been a transformational experience, to say the least. Growing up, I was an introverted child and naturally came off as a shy, timid and submissive child.  Due to this, I was often subjected to bullying and teasing by my peers. Although I understood my nature and the way I was choosing to be as an individual, it didn’t particularly fit well with those around me. 

I started journaling at the age of 9 years, and vividly remember buying a diary from Archie’s store, which came with a lock. I can recall how I would pen down my thoughts on a daily basis, till my diary was caught by my mother. 

At home, among three siblings, I was seen as the different one, due to which I developed a sense of inferiority complex and low self-esteem. On top of that, the financial condition of my household was not stable, leading us to a rough patch, disturbing our family, mentally and emotionally. The rough childhood reflected on my personality and temperament. 

Power of self-expression

As a young adult, I didn’t value expressing my emotions and thoughts. I tended to suppress them and felt the need to think several times before opening up to somebody. The suppressed emotions lead to me developing health issues such as PCOD, severe migraine, lower back issues, severe skin issues and allergies. My mental health deteriorated and it was only made worse by various upheavals, leading me to believe that I am worthless and helpless. 

Having gone through many ups and downs in my marital life as well, the need to find myself grew excessively. I didn’t want to be a mother who my child perceived as a weak, fearful and helpless person. I gathered all the courage and strength and chose to be the person I desired to be. 

Gradually, I developed a keen interest in the path of spirituality, which led me to experience alternative modes to find contentment and resolution. I strongly started to believe that pursuing my dreams and goals could help me discover myself as a person. So, I pursued my passion of taking up the responsibility to transform my life and the life of others. 

Taking formal training in Theta Healing®️ and other alternative modes, there was a strong need for self-expression and to channelize my energy. Through my training, I was able to unearth significant revelations about myself and my life, which helped me to grow into who I am today. 

My training equipped me with tools that ensured progress and allowed me to step out of my comfort zone. This is where journaling turned out to be an empowering tool of self-expression enabling me to become more attuned with my thoughts and emotions. 

journaling for improving mental health
Meet, Arpita. Image courtesy: Arpita Bhandari
Journaling is a blessing in disguise

I have been practising journaling for the past 10 years and nothing has come as close to it in terms of keeping my energy flowing and attracting opportunities. Journaling helped me become more clear in terms of goals and desires. It proved to be a visual aid that helped me understand myself better and evaluate my progress as a person. Journaling works as a coping mechanism for me as it helps gain perspective and is a powerful tool to restore my self-belief. 

The choices I made in terms of relationships became crystal clear as to who was serving me well and of those who no longer played a positive role in my life. Journaling enabled me to become more objective, rather than being judgmental about myself and others.  

My thoughts and emotions felt less burdening, every time I journaled. I got clarity on the steps I need to take to progress in life and enabled me to set goals and initiate my journey towards fulfilling them. 

Keeping a track of my thoughts and emotions enabled me to identify my authentic self and appreciate every aspect of my life. It is through journaling, that I am able to find myself back as it allowed me to be in touch with my subconscious mind and intuitions. 

Over the years, I have learned that journaling indeed turned out to be a blessing in disguise as I never could have fathomed the amazing power it holds. I have also come to a beautiful realization of the power that lies in our ‘choices’  and ‘free will’. 

It was and still is, a result of my choices that helped me be the person I am today. Journaling will give the much-needed perspective on taking charge of life and the course it takes. It is a tool that I encourage my clients to utilize on a daily basis and just as I did, they could also channelize their energy via journaling. 

It’s a habit one must inculcate to progress and lead a healthy life. So, start now to know your true self through journaling! 

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