How to Become [More] Self-Aware in 15 Minutes

One of my many Moleskin journals.

My secret weapon (or not so secret anymore) is this Moleskin journal.

I started writing every day almost 2.5 years ago when my anxiety was out of control and I couldn’t find any strategy to calm it down. Thoughts were constantly racing through my mind and I felt bogged down by my concerns. Finally, out of frustration and desperation, I pulled out a piece of paper and poured the contents of my brain out by furiously writing.

15–20 minutes of scribbling later, I felt strangely free. It was a cathartic experience. Instead of the thoughts clogging my brain, they were down on paper where I could make sense of them.

From that point on, I started writing every day.

The first thing I do in the morning now (after my hot water with lime, ginger, honey, and black salt) is sit down with my journal for 15 minutes — timed on my iPhone. I take this time to write down ANYTHING that may be circulating through my mind.

That ranges from how I might be feeling at that moment, analyzing the day prior, working through any concerns, setting my intentions for the day, giving myself a pep talk, or reflecting on personal or professional ambitions I want to come into my life.

In the last minute or two, I make sure to write down everything that I am grateful for.

Taking the seemingly small amount of time to journal every morning has made a tremendous effect on my life.

It has made me vastly more aware of how my brain operates.

Journaling is a beautiful and useful tool for self-discovery. It’s the tool that I attribute most to forming my sense of identity and what I want out of life.

After writing about my thoughts, plans, and experiences, I feel clearer and more focused. I understand what makes me happy, sad, or frustrated, and can take the steps I need when I feel my sense of calm escaping me. I’m constantly writing my goals, plans, intentions, and that all is telling of what I want out of life and who I am.

I have formed my own idea of success and don’t have to continue the comparing game.

Although let’s be real sometimes I still end up scrolling on Instagram pining for someone’s #instatravel life. BUT now I know to make a note of that lifestyle being something I possibly want in my journal and I take the time to decide whether it is something I truly desire and should go after.

Each day I am setting a conscious direction for my life by writing what I want and planning how to get there.

Journaling provides a vehicle to manifest your goals at a much faster rate.

I plan my day — my year — my next 5 years — I am constantly thinking about what I want out of life and what I want to accomplish. This not only sets the tone for my day through my daily to-do list but gives me the space to review my big picture goals.

Since I started journaling every day, I can honestly say that my dreams and goals are becoming a reality. Because I am writing down my goals daily, it is always at the top of my mind (even if subconsciously) and that means each decision I make is rooted in my long-term vision.

On a smaller scale, every time I journal, I feel like I have accomplished something. This sets off the rest of my day on the right foot. One item checked off my to-do list before most people have even woken up.

I have found by putting pen to paper, things that I want to happen, do happen.

I feel less anxious and less stressed out.

I always feel lighter emotionally and mentally after journaling. There’s a lot of garbage that accumulates in my brain so being able to dump it out on a piece of paper is a therapeutic experience.

I can’t control everything so what IS in my power I flesh out and analyze by writing down. The problems I can’t do anything to change, I vent about in my journal.

After I’ve vented in my journal, I quickly find a release and can move forward. I have found this to be one of the best forms of therapy (especially since it is easily accessible and free!)

I have more power over my thoughts and feelings.

The most dramatic shift I have seen is being able to change my state of mind in a manner of seconds.

I like how Eckhart Tolle puts it in The Power Of Now:

“ The beginning of freedom is the realization that you are not the possessing entity — the thinker.”

I have come to understand that I am merely the witnesser of my thoughts. My thoughts are not me. I attach feelings and a narrative around these thoughts but often that narrative is incorrect.

You must become aware of your perceptions in order to become free of them.

By journaling, I am able to step back from a situation and write down all sides. I more clearly understand when I might be acting irrationally or allowing myself to react without processing.

This has allowed me to more effectively control my anxiety and speak to that voice inside of me. Instead of shoving that anxious voice away, I now know to listen to what it has to say and journal to more clearly understand.

I have found that my anxiety typically wants the best for me and it is only when I start ignoring it and not taking any action that it becomes uncontrollable and takes a life of its own.

(Ensue tightness in chest, racing thoughts, and negative self-talk.)

Every time I journal, I list what I am grateful for at that moment in time and that never fails to make me more content.

That shifts my mindset from always focusing on what’s next and what goal I need to accomplish to enjoying the present and giving thanks for everything that I do have. From lack to abundance.

Sometimes it’s as simple as being thankful for waking up to another day.

By noting what I am grateful for, I gain clarity on what is truly important in my life.

I credit my daily practice of journaling to becoming more self-aware of who I am. I am happier. I am more fulfilled. I work through problems much faster. Ultimately all leading to a better life.

If you’re curious about how to start your own practice, grab a piece of paper, a pen, and write away! Easy as that. If you’re still struggling, feel free to reach out to me. I genuinely would love to help.

Here’s to living your best (more aware) life.

TO VIEW THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE ON MEDIUM, CLICK HERE.