Creating time & Space

In order to commit to a weekly date with your journal - you need to create time and space.

​Carve out a space in your home.  Beautify it, declutter it, add a plant, add nice lighting - add whatever motivates and inspires you.

I like to journal first thing in the morning on Saturdays while my family is still in bed.  So I prep the space the night before so that when I come downstairs and make my coffee the first thing I see my space ready for me and I remember to sit down and make time for my journal.   I fill the diffuser, place my journal on the table beside my chair, find my special pen and put my favourite blanket to snuggle in beside the chair.  Sometimes I like some background music (preferably jazz)  but most of the time I like the quiet stillness of the morning.

Before I begin I like to pause for a few minutes just to enjoy the stillness.  An opportunity to take a few deep breaths and savour this time.

Define your space.  What does your space look like?

You do not need to remodel a whole room, maybe take what you already have and move it around and create something for you.  You deserve this time and this time is essential.

​I have learned that I need to be disciplined and committed to writing in my journal once a week.  It is too easy to convince myself that I will make the time and then another day passes, and then another day.  Then I feel guilty, and then it feels like something I have to catch up on .  

I learned a new trick to dedicating a time to write in my journal, and I wanted to share it with you.  I pick a time to spend time journaling and then I choose to stick to it, then I open my OAK meditation app.  This is now one of my most used apps on my phone.  The breathing exercises are a great way to start your day and I fall asleep to the relaxing sounds every night.  When I sit down to journal I use the unguided meditation and I set it for 30-45 minutes depending on how much time I have, I add my favourite background sound and I set the chimes.  I have an interval bell go every 5 minutes because my mind tends to wonder when I am writing in my journal, the chime brings me back to focus on my journal time.  It is a bit of a discipline exercise but it has been really good for me.  If you think it would help you, then please give it a try and let me know what you think!

Leave a comment below and tell me about your ideal time and space to write in your journal.