To write or not to write…that is the question. Okay, maybe that’s not actually the question, but my question to you is this…
THE STORY
…Do you journal write? I ask this not because it’s trendy, I mean seriously, you can’t peruse social media or the internet without stumbling upon an article/post touting the benefits of journaling. I ask because I have found it to be one of the most cathartic, calming & mind clearing things that I can do for myself & perhaps it might be just as good for you. I ask because it’s effective.
Even though journaling is currently trending & even though it might sound borderline woo-woo to suggest that you should give it a try, that’s exactly what I’m going to do; suggest that you give it a try if you aren’t already putting pen to paper. If the very thought of writing puts you into a tailspin just settle yourself for a minute…you don’t have to be an insanely talented prolific writer in order to write…you only have to be you.
The benefits of journaling go well beyond the self-care aspect. There have been studies done that show journaling can have some surprising outcomes. For example, the very act of writing is an exploration of language and that is beneficial for brain functioning, which in turn can boost memory skills and comprehension. Writing down your thoughts can also increase your emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to perceive and understand your emotions which leads to a greater ability to understand others.
One of the more out there sounding benefits of keeping a journal is that it can help you to achieve your goals. It does sound all sorts of new age-y to say that writing out your goals will manifest them into reality. However, putting your goals into writing signals your brain that “this is some important sh*t!” This then activates a part of your brain to be on the lookout for opportunities to help you reach your goals…think of writing out your goals like a map for your brain to follow to get you to the desired outcome.
Most importantly journaling can help increase your self-confidence which is kind of my thang. Journaling your thoughts, feelings & goals increases your self-awareness which leads to a change in mindset. Writing about a positive experience where you absolutely crushed something that you set out to do gives your brain the opportunity to relive it; it’s an affirmation of your abilities that you can go back to over & over again.
If you think that you’re ready to give journaling a shot here are a few tips to get you started:
- Choose a journal that’s aesthetically pleasing to you. If you love it you’ll be more likely to use it; choose a journal that reflects who you are. The pics below are of my planner/journal. I write in this one daily & since it’s also a planner it helps to keep me organized. I also have a matching notebook (both are from The Happy Planner) that I use as my more in-depth journal where I explore thoughts, feelings & ideas in greater detail.
- Add stickers, quotes, drawings…whatever your jam is! Make your journal a reflection of who you really are. FYI…I may or may not be a sticker addict…just sayin’. Let me lose in the sticker aisle in Michael’s & I’m suddenly an eight year old…lol! I also got my daughter addicted to journaling/sticker collecting & sitting down to decorate our journals for the upcoming week is one of our favorite things to do together.
- Do with your journal what you will. Write entire passages, write in bullet list form, maybe a mixture of both…whatever feels right for you!
- The more you write, the more it flows. Just. Get. Started. You’ll be surprised the things you discover kickin’ around in the dark corners of your brain once you start writing.
- If you’re still stuck (it happens to the best of us) use a journal prompt to get you started.
- Most importantly…You are writing for you! Do not write with the expectation that others will read your words; they are just for you. Be honest, be raw, be real.
THE OUTFIT
I’ve mentioned before that I’m no fan of yellow in it’s brighter (meaning not the toasty warm fall mustard shade) forms. Don’t get me wrong, it’s really a pretty happy color, it just doesn’t play well with my skin tone & hair. The easiest way to wear a color that you like, but doesn’t like you is via shoes and/or accessories. That’s why when I had the opportunity to work with Bzees again, I chose the Smile Wedge Sandal in Mimosa Cheetah. They are just the happiest prettiest shade of yellow…with a very subtle cheetah print…so pretty! And like all Bzees they are not only insanely comfortable, they’re also machine washable which is a bonus you don’t see every day!
Now…can we talk tie dye for just a minute? I already have several tie dye pieces in my wardrobe like this skirt, dress & duster. But the current crop of tie dye that’s available is absolutely drool-inducing, and I hit the mother lode at Red Dress online. They have tie dye everything and the colors are absolutely gorgeous! That’s where I found today’s sweatshirt…I also picked up the matching joggers & a cropped tee in the same print. *Side note on the tee: it’s more cropped than I like, so I soaked it in lukewarm water and hair conditioner (baby shampoo works too) & then stretched it and voila! Perfect length. The colors are just so vibrant and pretty, I couldn’t resist all three pieces…and there is no doubt I’ll be going back for more.
The colors pop even more paired with white denim like I did here. The options are endless though. The sweatshirt & tee will both be perfect paired with one of tulle or silk skirts and the joggers, which I’ll feature in another post, will be fab with my bright pink blazer, a white tee & heels.
THE TIP
Tie dye is surprisingly easy to wear. It comes in every color that you can imagine from brights to pastels to darker shades. You can find tie dye not only on tees & sweats, but also dresses, skirts, shoes, pants…pretty much anything you can imagine! If you’re feeling intimidated, try a print in more subtle colors or start with shoes or accessories.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Sandals: c/o Bzees; Sweatshirt: Red Dress; Jeans: American Eagle (Similar)
**Sandals provided c/o Bzees. All opinions, as always, are my own.
**This post contains affiliate links. Clicks/purchases made may result in a commission for FFD.
