Are you living an “inspired” life? An inspired life is a lifestyle. It’s living up to your full potential, living the life of your calling and living a life of passion. When you are living an inspired life, you feel connected and you have purpose. Often times living your “inspired” life is likely to inspire others who will learn and benefit from your example.
I am often asked about what inspires me as and how I stay inspired. My answer inevitably includes: my relationship with Jesus, enjoying my family, maintaining close friendships, and summers at the lake.. (There’s an insight into what I am passionate about!).
So what does that have to do with ‘journaling’? Keeping a journal has not just changed my life because of its amazing benefits. The continual cycle of journaling and reflecting over the years has helped me maintain (or regain) my focus, flesh out my fleeting thoughts, and record the things God is showing me. Going back through my journals months or years later gives me an important perspective on how God is growing me and reminds me why I made the decisions that I did. That perspective is often what keeps me going and inspires me to make changes where needed, allows me to appreciate the lessons I’ve learned along the way and gives me a fresh, new perspective.
Sometimes a change of perspective is exactly what we need. As we reminisce over the past, we become more aware of ourselves and others. Our strengths and weaknesses are evident, and we learn about our preferences. History proves to be a tool that allows us to navigate emotionally and intellectually. The past shapes us to become who we are today. What wasn’t clear then suddenly becomes clear as we look back. Looking back, often we find others who have endured our challenges. We learn from them. We gain courage from their faith, which ignites ours. Bold steps of courage move us forward.
One of the best surprises about journaling is that there are so many ways to journal for every kind of personality: reflective journaling, daily journaling, art journaling, photo journaling, bullet journaling, gratitude journaling, travel journaling, nature journaling and even food journaling. The possibilities are endless.
Ready to get started? Pick one of the journaling styles above (or try a few!), grab a notebook and writing tool, and carve out some time to sit with your thoughts. It could be the first step to discover your inspired life!
