Journaling for change – what is it I truly want?

Have you felt the need for change, but don’t know where to start?

One of my new Reiki clients contacted me a few days after our session and said she felt the need to make some changes in her life, but wasn’t sure how to go about it.

Often, our unconscious selves get the memo on the desire to change, long before our conscious minds become aware of it.

Ever had the gnawing feeling that something’s missing in your life, but you can’t quite put your finger on it? Some of the ways the desire for change may show up in your life include boredom or restlessness in your work or home life, struggling to get going in the morning, always looking back at the past, or fantasising about the future.

Whether you are overhauling your life (like I did when I quit my full-time job two years ago to pursue writing), or are seeking change in a particular area of your life, knowing exactly what you want can be elusive, especially when there is a smorgasbord of opportunities available.

Often, our unconscious selves get the memo on the desire to change, long before our conscious minds become aware of it.

To support my beautiful Reiki client, I came up with a journaling exercise that I thought might be of help to others trying to work out what it is they truly want in their lives.

Journaling practice

1. Sit in a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed for about 10-15 minutes.
2. If you have time put on a short meditation – I like this one from Jason Stephenson
3. Or just spend a few moments breathing in through your nose and exhale out through your mouth – imagine white light flowing into your body all the way into your navel and then green light flowing out of your body. Relax each part of your body with each breath from your toes to your head.
4. Now pick up your journal and pen (recommended over a laptop) and write at the top: ‘What is it I truly want?’
5. Trying to keep your pen on the page the whole time, write in response to this question for about 5 minutes or until you are finished. Try not to think too hard and be patient with yourself. Allow the words, thoughts, concepts, symbols or imagery, to flow onto the page. This type of journaling is called ‘stream of consciousness’ journaling and it’s a great way to tap into your inner wisdom and intuitive voice.
6. Try to capture, not only what you truly want, but also what it will feel like to have what you truly want in your life. How will it make you feel?
7. When you are finished, read back over your journal writing and circle or note down those words or phrases that speak to you. They will give you insight into what you truly desire.
8. You can repeat this exercise every few days to keep uncovering and connecting with what you truly want or you can focus this journaling exercise on specific areas in your life. For example: What is it I truly want in my home life, my relationships, my work, my physical body, my spiritual life, emotionally, romantically, financially, in a partner, as a parent, and so on.
9. Again look at the words or phrases that speak to you.
10. Identify what practical steps you need to take to make these changes in your life – e.g. do you need to learn some new skills, make a financial plan, seek some life coaching or mentoring, etc

I would love to hear from you about your experience, and what came up for you through this journaling exercise. Or if you would like to share other exercises or activities that have helped you identify what your heart and soul desires.