Tracking my feelings in A Feelings Journal changed my life. I swear! My favorite motto or MarGOism is… “First Feel, Second Solve”. To go along with this motto many years ago I started a Feelings Journal.
Why did I do this? My life at the time wasn’t going well. This was around 2009 or during our last down turn in the economy. I was determined to push through and create a positive experience for myself. I knew my feelings mattered as it’s what I’d been writing and talking about for several years. The time was right to take my advice and put it into action.
A bit of my back story: Journaling was always something I turned to when I was in a funk or feeling worse that usual. It helped me get my thoughts onto paper and out of my head. Sometimes I came up with successful solutions. Only problem is I didn’t address my feelings head on. Later I learned what a lost opportunity that was.
What did I do?
Each morning I wrote down one “feel good” and one “feel bad” experience from the day before. You can also do it at the end of the day or even every other day. It shouldn’t take very long as you are only focusing on one experience. It usually took me less than ten minutes, including thinking time.
More specifically… I wrote about my experience in one sentence. Then I filled in with details such as who I was with, what I was doing and what made me feel good or bad. At the end of each week, I’d review my recordings. I would review again at the end of a month.
What happened? This is the best part!! Within weeks I noticed myself making better decisions that enhanced my over all well being and happiness. If something I did or someone I was spending time with made me feel bad I stopped (or decreased) doing that activity or seeing that particular person. Instead with confidence I chose to do what I learned from journaling makes me feel good :-).
I know it sounds kind of grandiose, but keeping a feelings journal truly changed my life. I’m much more aware of when something feels good or bad and take action quickly to make an adjustment.
Now is a perfect time to start your own Feelings Journal and start making better choices. Good feeling experiences help you feel less stressed and enjoy your life more. It should be especially helpful during our current crisis with Covid-19.
I’m committed to posting a blog each week for the next couple of months. Let me know if there is something you would like me to write about. I welcome your suggestions.
Gratefully,
MarGO!
Professional Counselor, Business, Career and Life Coach
404-218-4559
MargoGeller@Gmail.com
www.MargoGeller.com
