7 EMPOWERING BENEFITS OF JOURNALING TO TRANSFORMS TEACHERS’ LIVES

The benefits of journaling are literally and undeniably the source of getting through the day! I started journaling years ago as a way to document what was going on in my life. One day I was cleaning my room and I came across a journal and it was like I could have written that exact same journal entry THAT day.

To me that wasn’t okay. I was completely burnt out from teaching. I was living in Miami and working two other jobs: tutoring and J. Crew. I would be at work by 7-7:30 work all day, tutor until 4:30. Drive to J. Crew, work there until 10-11 at night and do that all over again the next day.

Exhausted was an understatement. So I started writing about the things I wanted. I started to write out my prayers. Writing out my prayers was one way for me to know that I was actually saying my prayers. As the years passed I started to become more intentional with my journaling.

Manifestation, Luck, or Blessed

You may not believe in manifestation or those types of things but there is power in writing things down. Habakkuk 2:2 says write the vision and make it plain. I specifically wrote in my journal that we were going to have to move. We were living in a two-bedroom apartment and I had just had my second baby.

The apartment we were living in lacked first world amenities. It had no air conditioning, no dishwasher, no washing machine, no dryer, and we were in the middle of the summer. There is a time specifically remember writing that we needed to move by the latest September and we needed to be in some place that had air conditioning! What the Pacific North West’s obsession with no air conditioning is beyond me. There were some “necessities” I wanted our new home to have including a dishwasher, at least laundry hookup and for the love of God air conditioning. I wanted at least three bedrooms all for $1,000.

It’s only Crazy until it Happens

Now that seemed like a crazy ask of God. But it came to fruition we got our house that had all the things that I had asked for and do you know when we moved? in August literally a few weeks before I said we needed to move. That’s why there’s power in writing things down. I don’t know what Your Wildest Dream is but it’s somewhere on the lines of journaling. Don’t take my example. Try it for yourself.

Let me give you ONE more example. I’m not sure if I wrote this down, but I know I said it out loud for sure. My last year of teaching I had a great class. Now, this was a class after having a literal call from the deep underground abyss. During that year kept telling my coworker “this is my last year teaching”. I was pregnant and I always had a design to be able to stay home with my kids while they were young. I had no other options lined up. No opportunities. I just knew I wasn’t going to be teaching anymore at that point.

Well my husband ended up getting a job in Washington state and we moved across the country. I did initially look for teaching jobs but not very many people were looking to hire a 5 month pregnant woman. So I said, welp I said I was going to stay home with my kids and that’s what I’ve been able to do for the past 4 years.

I’m telling you… write…it…down. You’re wildest dreams!!! Come back and tell me all about them. I’m waiting to cheer you on! You got this!

Benefits of Journaling for Teachers

1. Scribe Your Sanity: 

Journaling allows teachers to unload their hilarious classroom anecdotes, crazy student stories, and mind-boggling parent encounters. ( like the time a parent was pissed their son peed in a bottle in the classroom which is literally impossible with a classroom of 25 students and no one saw?! Plus we had Jack and Jill bathrooms… he literally could have gotten up and gone! I digress) It’s like a therapy session, but with way more laughter and way fewer awkward silences.

2. Ventilation Ventilation!: 

When the school bell rings, and you’re ready to explode with frustration, your journal becomes the perfect confidante. Pour your heart out, curse the photocopier, and unleash your inner Shakespearean drama queen. Your journal won’t judge – it’s your personal ranting buddy.

3. Ideas, Galore!:

Journaling is a breeding ground for fantastic ideas! Whether you’re pondering a creative lesson plan, a fun classroom activity, or a witty comeback to that one student’s never-ending “why” questions, your journal is the treasure chest of genius waiting to be opened.

4. Memory Master:

Teaching is a whirlwind of unforgettable moments, and sometimes our brains forget to capture them all. Journaling helps you preserve those priceless memories like a time-traveling memoirist. One day, you’ll look back and say, “Wow, did I really survive that many glitter explosions?”

5. No Boundary Laughter: 

Your journal is the comedy club where you’re the star comedian. Jot down your funny teacher puns, hilarious pun-filled lesson titles, and the witty comebacks that made your students’ jaws drop. You’ll be laughing all the way to the teacher’s lounge. Even if you’re laughing alone.

6. Lessons Learned, Literally: 

As educators, we’re constantly learning and growing. Journaling provides a space to reflect on your teaching journey, celebrate your victories, and embrace the “oops” moments. Think of it as a treasure map to becoming the best version of yourself, complete with doodles and emojis.

7. Inspiration Oasis:

Your journal is an oasis of inspiration when the desert of teacher burnout is calling your name. Flip through the pages, read your own words of wisdom, and remind yourself why you became a teacher in the first place. It’s like a motivational speech from the wittiest, most charming version of yourself.

So, my dear teacher, grab that journal and let your words dance across the pages, leaving a trail of laughter and inspiration behind. Remember, a teacher’s pen is mightier than a red grading pen.

You got this! I’m Rooting for You.

End your day with the benefit of journaling gratitude

There’s an important benefit of journaling that you don’t want to skip. It is gratitude. Although I was grateful for the apartment we did have ( especially in a freezing cold winters where the heat blasted). But, I knew for our sanity wee needed a bigger place that we could afford. I always start my journal with thanking God for something. You have many things to be grateful for.

If you’re looking for a great place to start for your transforming journal. Grab one here. It’s my favorite journal designed and created by me. It comes with s front pouch, stickers, and a reminder to “write your wildest dreams“.

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