Writing without being a self-editor

All people have a tendency to self-talk, which is when the mind constantly replays events in a conversational tone. Self-talk can be either negative or positive, but most of the time it is negative, bringing about stress.

Have you ever caught yourself over-thinking a problem in your head? You were probably experiencing self-talk. When journaling it is important to keep the little man inside your head out.

Susie Cortright, a journaling expert, said the voice that speaks to us from the deepest part of our brain can often times discourage us from writing in a journal. Cortright offers six tips to banishing our natural inner-editors:

1. Write quickly. Allow the words to flow from the brain to the pen and onto the paper. This prohibits the mind from forming an opinion on the subject matter.

2. Keep writing. Don't erase or cross out words, it only stops you from focusing. Starting a new paragraph can be a way to avoid going down an unpleasant path. But remember that the unpleasant path is probably the issue you need to address most.

3. Date each entry. Adding a time stamp on your journal gives you a point of reference when looking back on your entries. It helps to describe the places you were at when feeling certain emotions so that noticing patterns becomes easier.

4. After journaling, take a break. Try taking a walk around the block or drinking a glass of water. Do something simple and solitary to clear your mind.

5. Reread your entry. Writing in your journal is a time to gather information, but reading your journal is a time for reflection. Remember to read with compassion. You do not need to read like an unbiased source.

6. Write an Insight Line. An insight line is tow or three sentences that sums up what you think your entry is saying or telling you. If finding the insight line is too difficult, feel free to save rereading for a few more hours. There is no need to rush the process. Gathering a message from your journal is as important as writing in one.

Journaling is a healthy way to avoid negative self-talk and stress. Though separating your analytical mind from your emotions may be difficult, the rewards are plentiful. Journaling gives us insight to our greatest fears, secret flaws and biggest desires. Try not to let anyone get in the way of your personal journaling process, even if it is yourself talking.