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The Year of the Journal

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Realty

If you are close to me you probably know I am a big fan of daily journaling. You may be thinking why should I journal? For starters, journaling reduces stress, leads you towards a better understanding of yourself and empowers personal growth. It also enhances intuition and creativity, helps with problem solving and captures your life story. Have you ever had an elderly family member  or friend who you have tried to get as many of their memories down in writing or on video before they passed? If we begin with the end in mind, as Stephen Covey writes in the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, we write these memories throughout our lives instead of waiting until it may be too late. Even if you are not interested in a daily journal practice, how about once per year writing a year in review? Similar to the letter you wrote to yourself in our January challenge except this is a reflection of all you learned, experienced and accomplished over the previous year.

What to journal about? Start with what you are grateful for (your family, a warm home, the weather, your health, lunch with an old friend, that front row parking spot, etc.) and end with a few notes about the day. You may write one sentence or a paragraph depending on the day. Another great tip is every Sunday, set your intentions for the week both personal and professional. You will get crystal clear about what is most important on a weekly basis. Another idea: if you are only interested in documenting your memories, several friends have done a beautiful job of blogging and incorporating their memories with photos. For recommendations of guided journals, email me at chloe@chloerealestate.com.

Evelyn Kennedy
Alain Pinel Realtors - Alameda, CA
Alameda, Real Estate, Alameda, CA

Chloe:

Keeping a journal is a nice idea and for family it is a treasure trove of information.  I look at blogging as a way to journal, more public but the same idea.

Feb 17, 2012 11:54 AM
Roberta Kayne
Dublin & Central Ohio Homes - Dublin, OH
CRS, ABR, SFR, RRS, Realtor, Re/Max Affiliates

Wonderful post Chloe!  I have thought about journaliing many times, and I have done some form of journaling for many years...whether its writing my goals for the year, writing notes, poems or most recently my blogs. . But my most expressive form of "journaling" comes in the guise of my photography   Photography is my journal, my therapy and my way of showing the world how I see the world.  Gee, maybe I should write a blog about that.  Thanks for a good subject. I'd love to know more. 

Feb 17, 2012 11:54 AM
Jordon Wheeler
The Jordon Wheeler Group - Fairburn, GA
J W Group Real Estate Sales and Service

Chloe,

I really enjoyed your post.  I think women do the journal thing more frequently in greater numbers than guys.  Anyways this post was a nudge for me to put some thought into writing and keeping a journal.  Best of success to you this year!

Feb 17, 2012 12:03 PM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

I was taught this at an early age must admit haven't always done it but I go back from time to time and read about things such as old friends.

Feb 17, 2012 12:16 PM
Patrick White
Home Driven Realty, Inc - Baldwin, NY
Driven to bring New Yorkers home

Good Evening Chloe

Thanks for the post. have a great day

Feb 17, 2012 12:50 PM
Chloe White
Keller Williams Realty - Farmington, CT
Connecticut REALTOR

Thank you for all your thoughts.  Wishing you all the best for a great year!

Mar 19, 2012 04:00 AM