From Empty Nest to Full Life: The Power of Journaling

Starting a new chapter in life can be daunting, especially when it involves a significant lifestyle change like watching your kids move out and start their own lives. This new phase, the "empty nest" stage, can bring a mixture of emotions. It was during this time that I discovered journaling.

The journey into journaling began when I participated in a women's virtual workshop. We were given the assignment of journaling each day. I hadn't really journaled much in the past, so this was a bit of a new experience for me. Writing down my thoughts was a very effective exercise in discovering my interests. The first few entries were actually just questions that I hoped to explore. What activities energize me? What hobbies interest me? What do I want to do in this next phase of my life? But as the days turned into weeks, the entries started to delve deeper, exploring thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Each day of writing was like peeling back a layer, revealing a little more about myself that was previously unknown or forgotten. I discovered the power of journaling and went from empty nest to full life!

Journaling soon became a daily ritual, a quiet time of introspection and self-discovery. It was during these quiet moments of reflection that several new ideas and passions were unlocked. I discovered many benefits to daily journaling. It was as if the act of transferring thoughts onto paper had somehow opened up a hidden treasure trove of creativity and enthusiasm. One of the most profound realizations that came through journaling was my desire to write an historical fiction novel about the life of my grandmother. Delving deeper into the incredible story of her life and history has been quite a journey. The process of re-exploring her past and trying to see things through her eyes has been a truly rewarding experience. The book remains a work in progress, yet it undeniably serves as a labor of love.

One amazing thing about journaling is that it's like having a conversation with yourself. It's a space where you can be completely honest, without any fear of judgment. You can pour your heart out, express your deepest fears, your wildest dreams, and your most cherished memories. It's a safe haven where you can be your most authentic self.

Journaling boosts your creativity. When you're writing without any restrictions, your mind is free to explore new ideas and perspectives. You might be surprised at the imaginative thoughts that pop up when you're jotting down your daily experiences or reflections.

I challenge you to give journaling a try. Buy yourself a pretty journal and set some time aside each day to write down your thoughts. Maybe start with questions you'd like to delve into during this process like I did. What are your dreams? What are your goals? What do you want in this next chapter of life? Be creative, nothing is off the table. Try it for a week and let me know how it goes. Journaling might just be your honey pot to rediscovering what sets your soul abuzz.