the simple journaling habit that changed how I see my days

 Journaling isn't new. We've all heard how beneficial journaling is, and today, it's gotten even more popular with everyone showcasing their "journal ecosystem." I've been journaling for over a decade, since I was a child, and while it's always been a sort of escape, it wasn't until I was in college that it really started to change the ways in which I see my days.

a pic of my journal :)

It all started with a breakup. 

You know, the prerequisite for life-altering change.

My relationship had ended abruptly, and I had lost my bearings just as quickly. I didn't know what to do with myself. It was my first dance with heartbreak, and it was a lousy partner, for not only did they step on my toes, they stumbled all over my heart.

It was up to me to pick up the pieces and I didn't know how. 

The hardest part was the emotional pain. One day I was on cloud nine, thinking I was fine and that I could get through this heartbreak thing. The next day (or second tbh) it felt as if I was struck by lightening, my tattered heart burnt to a crisp. 

The pain was my cross to bear, yet bearing it seemed to be impossible. At this point, I was journaling about my feelings daily, but the pain remained. It weighed on me so much so that I started to feel physical pain. 

That was the moment I knew I needed help.

And so what does one do when they need help?

Starting therapy :)

Therapy saved me 1000%. 

But just because the final result was amazing doesn't mean the journey to get there was easy.

The journey of unpacking, unlearning, and actualizing was a arduous process. There were lots of crying, a smile here, a mental breakdown there, and plenty of breakthroughs. Therapy was the mirror I needed to look at myself and think about the person I wanted to be and the realities of my situation.

And honestly? Even though it was difficult, every session lessened the weight on my heart. My inner voice was as clear as a bell.

I'd get a jolt of dopamine every time I finished a session because it felt great to actively work on myself every week. Don't get me wrong, there were weeks where I took ten steps back and felt I was making zero progress, but those days mattered too.

Everything changed when my therapist told me to try a daily exercise.

An exercise I continue to do to this day, every night, without fail.

Everyday Happiness 

a pic of my everyday happiness list <3

Everyday Happiness is a journaling practice where you write a list of -- you guessed it -- all the things that made you smile or breathe a little easier.

This may seem like a fairly simple exercise, and it is, but it is a great way to focus on the positive parts of the day rather than the bad.

For some reason the bad is always easy to remember.

This was life-changing for me because, at the time, it was hard to notice any of the good once that relationship ended. All I could do for awhile was wallow in my pain and sorrow, but this flipped the script for me.

Literally anything can go on this list:

• sun was shining
• brushed my teeth
• made my bed
• saw a cute dog
• ate a good meal
• noticed someone wearing a Santa hat and it made me smile (true story)

The point of the list is not to be "impressive." It's simply a log of evidence that even though life sucks right now, there are still glimmers that shine and make the pain manageable.

This may not be a revolutionary exercise but it has definitely changed my life, and I hope it can do the same for you.

So grab a notebook, a writing utensil, and jot down something that made you happy. You could have five bullet points or only one. Both are valid.

Start, and see what comes to mind.

You may surprise yourself.

Until next time~