Vijay Fitzgerald
10 August 2025
•3 min read
Have you noticed how every month seems to speed up? Somehow, it's August already.
Most of us are caught in the same loop: get up, get the kids ready, rush for the bus, jump on the train, dive into projects, meetings, and the endless list of roles we juggle. On top of it all, there's the daily "what's for breakfast/lunch/dinner?" question.
Our calendars are packed, our heads are full, and our thoughts are flying two steps ahead.
When was the last time you paused, like really paused, and checked in with how you're actually doing? What if there was a simple practice that could help you quiet the noise in your head?
This is where I would like to share the power of journaling. Journaling is more than keeping a diary. It's the conscious act of putting your unfiltered thoughts on paper, letting the page hold what your voice can't yet say, and letting go.
Journaling helped me name my feelings and find solutions to letting go of clutter that no longer served me. I started journaling as part of becoming a writer, but it quickly became my private space to process the thoughts and feelings that wouldn't leave me alone. Some days, it's a to-do list. Other days, a love letter to my future self. Sometimes, it's just scribbles and tears.
Here's what it's taught me:
- You slow down enough to hear yourself clearly
- You make space for feelings you've ignored
- You give shape to thoughts you didn't realise you had
The benefits of journaling are backed by science. Studies show journaling can:
- Improve mood and emotional regulation
- Clarify goals and decision-making
- Build resilience after life challenges
Why? Because writing helps you process and organise your inner world. Once you name something, you can begin to understand, and change it.
At the monthly journaling retreat that I co-facilitate, here is what people have said for themselves:
"I feel lighter and more focused towards personal healing"
"Calm. Focused on changing things that no longer serve me in my life."
"It was good, it has helped me stop and have time to feel my thoughts."
You don't need the perfect notebook or pen, or lots of time to start journaling. If you've been feeling heavy, disconnected, or unsure of what's next, try writing it down. Remember you are writing just for yourself, and you don't even have to read it back again if you are not ready. Just start with 2 minutes. Try it now.
Grab any notebook, or a piece of paper and try the following.
Step one: Take a long, deep breath.
Step two: Set an intention. Eg: With kindness to myself, I am writing to discover
Step three: Write uninterrupted and unfiltered. To get you started, here is a prompt to get you started:
Today, I feel.... or I notice
If you enjoyed this, join my free 10 day journaling journey. Sign up here.