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Since my last post, the world has gone mad.

I’ve struggled to make sense of the suffering, the anger, and the outrage.

In the process, I asked myself if this was the time to talk about holy leisure. Does it feel like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic?

Maybe to some.

But I want to stay afloat in these distressing times, don’t you?

So, I’m offering one of those deck chairs as a flotation device in these uncharted waters.

I know of no better or more practical way to process, cope, celebrate, mourn, and diagnose my own heart than through the practice of journaling.

Journaling as Holy Leisure

Journaling is one of my favorite ways to practice holy leisure.

Otium Sanctum is the pursuit of balance in life, an ability to be at peace throughout the activities of the day, an ability to rest, and take time to enjoy beauty, an ability to pace ourselves. 

If you’ve rolled your eyes at journaling because it reminds you of your 5th-grade language arts class, or you’re unsure how journaling would serve you…I submit the following 10 reasons why you should give it fresh consideration. 

Why Journal?

“I can shake off everything as I write; my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.”

Anne Frank

1. Journaling helps us to learn more about ourselves.

In our fast-paced, overstimulating world, we need space to be quiet and contemplative. When we journal, we can cut through the noise and distill our thoughts. When we’re unclear on something or something doesn’t sit right, journaling brings clarity. After I write down everything inside my heart and mind, 9 times out of 10, I’ll feel better. As I read past entries, I can see patterns in my life and the meaning I assign to the events of my life.

2. Journaling sets realistic expectations for pace and change.

Often, my journal entries are prayers and pleas for change. “Oh God, please change this circumstance or him or me!” When I read through those entries, I see that change is (usually) a slow process. Journaling sets realistic expectations for the pace at which life and change happen. If everything we ever wanted were instantly given to us, we wouldn’t understand or appreciate the journey we undertook or the work of sanctification it took to get us to where we are today.

3. Journaling is a tool for future trials.

“Write hard and clear about what hurts.”

Ernest Hemingway

When we journal through hard times, we give ourselves a faith-building resource for the future. I recently reread my journal from a few years ago when the Lord took us through a difficult season. On the other side of that trial, I can see the Lord’s overarching faithfulness through all my heartbreak, worries, questions, and fears. I see where I once couldn’t, and my faith is stronger. This gives me more faith in future trials.

4. Journaling helps us remember details.

Not only does journaling remind us of the Lord’s faithfulness, but it’s also a reminder of details we often forget. A recent journal entry reminded me of a situation where I needed daily minute-by-minute reminders of God’s help. The further distance we get from something, the easier it is to forget all the ways the Lord answers. When I reread my entries, I was reminded of what it felt like to be in those moments of expectant waiting. This also builds my faith in the areas I’m waiting for today. 

5. Journaling keeps us present.

Have you ever noticed how much we practice escaping our lives? I often find myself mindlessly scrolling through social media or playing a puzzle game to distract myself from my thoughts. This isn’t always a “bad” thing, but we often don’t deal with our feelings. Journaling quiets our minds from distractions and helps us live more presently RIGHT NOW. Many of us are not used to silence and stillness. Our schedules are filled with so much activity that we don’t notice the sights and sounds around us. Write about them and how they make you feel. Slow down, enjoy this moment, and breathe!  

6. Journaling helps us to find our way.

Are you overwhelmed by a big project or a significant change you want to make? Journaling helps you identify where you are and where you want to be. Once you’ve identified where you’re at, you can take the necessary steps to get where you want to go. Then, document your steps on your journey (the good, the bad, and the ugly). What an amazing resource you’ll have when you’re done!

7. Journaling helps us slow down.

Journaling is supposed to slow you down. I can type much faster than I can write in my journal. But I can also read a text, scan the news, stir the mac n’ cheese, and dictate an email simultaneously. That doesn’t mean I should do all those things at once. When I’m spread too thin, I’m not mindful of any one thing. Writing things down with an actual pen forces you to slow down. This gives your mind a chance to think complete, uninterrupted thoughts. It’s amazing how much more we can accomplish when we focus on one thing instead of trying to do a million things simultaneously.

8. Journaling brings clarity where there’s confusion.

“I write because I don’t know what I think until I read what I say.” 

Flannery O’Connor

Are you unsure what to do next in a certain situation? Are you unclear about what something means? I don’t know how it works, but there is something magical about writing those things down. When you put into words what might be floating around in concepts and fragments in your mind, you often see things in a new light. The best part is once you’ve identified the problem, you’re also more aware and alert for potential solutions you might not have seen before. I told you it’s magical.

9. Journaling is non-judgmental

Doesn’t it seem like our lives have more rules than ever? When constrained by so many do’s and don’ts, a journal is a welcoming place of freedom, acceptance, and brutal honesty. You make the rules inside your journal, and you can’t do it wrong. You decide what works for you; whatever works for you is solely YOURS. If you have privacy concerns, hide or password-protect or hold a bonfire if necessary. (Beth Moore has told her daughters to burn her journals upon her death.) Even if you intend to destroy your journals, the benefits you’ll gain from the practice still make it worthwhile.

10. Journaling helps you maintain new changes

Consistency is key. We all know this proverb is true for changes we want to make in life. My journal has helped me cement the habit of daily quiet time with the Lord. For years, I struggled and felt guilty because I couldn’t find a consistent time to pray and study. It wasn’t until I started journaling that my struggle for this daily time with the Lord became infinitely easier. It flipped a switch in my brain, and I no longer struggled to “find the time” to be with the Lord. Instead, I created the time and got up earlier each day. I’ve enjoyed the process of journaling my prayers and discoveries in the Word so much I never want to go back to my old ways.   

What Results Will You Experience?

Journaling is a unique experience for everyone. This list only scratches the surface of how journaling can change your outlook on life, help you discover new evidence of God’s faithfulness, and document your journey.

Journaling is a window, a mirror, a scalpel, and a salve.

Wanna change your life?

Start journaling.

How has journaling changed your life? Leave a comment below!