Written by Lynda Monk
I love taking courses, especially journal writing courses! I am always taking a course – it might be self-guided, instructor led, online or in-person. I am a lifelong learner and I buy more courses than clothes.
Given my passion for taking courses, I thought I would share with you my top 7 reasons that I believe taking a journaling or writing course can be beneficial including the following:
7 Reasons to Take a Journal Writing Course
1. Creative inspiration
As journal writers we benefit from staying inspired and motivated to write. Courses offer a lot of creative inspiration which can fuel your motivation to go to the page and write! Journaling can be a tool for creative exploration.
2. Get more out of your journaling and take it to deeper levels
Journaling is a practice and a skill. We can learn new ways to engage in our journaling to keep it fresh and also get more out of it. A course can teach you how to use writing prompts, exercises, and techniques to unlock your creativity and explore your inner world.
3. Increase self-awareness
One of the main reasons I journal is to cultivate ongoing personal growth through self-reflection. Self-reflection is a skill where you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in ways that allow for new self-awareness to emerge. You can learn more about reflective practice through taking a course.
4. Quiet the inner critic voice
We can get the most out of our journaling when we bring self-compassion and non-judgement for ourselves and our writing. Journaling courses provide a safe and guided process for bringing these freeing qualities forward in ourselves and in our writing.
5. Improved writing skills
A journal writing course can help you improve your writing skills by teaching you how to write in a more expressive, cohesive, and engaging way. Enriching our writing skills frees us to write what needs and wants to be written from within onto the page.
6. Accountability and connection
A journal writing course can provide a supportive community of writers who will hold you accountable for writing regularly. This can help you stay motivated and committed to your writing practice. When we gather together with others who have a shared passion for personal growth and creative self-expression through writing, we are with kindred spirits. This connection with others can fuel our creativity!
7. Have fun and enjoy the benefits into the future
Lastly, taking a journaling course is fun and it is an investment in yourself and your own well-being and growth. I find the benefits of taking a journaling course, and other types of courses too, last long after the course has finished. The learning and overall experience is an inspirational gift that keeps on giving!
About the Authors:
Lynda Monk, MSW, RSW, CPCC, is the Director of the International Association for Journal Writing (IAJW.org). She is the co-editor of Transformational Journaling for Coaches, Therapists, and Clients: A Complete Guide to the Benefits of Personal Writing (2021). She is co-author of Writing Alone Together: Journalling in a Circle of Women for Creativity, Compassion and Connection (2014). She is the author of an ebook, Life Source Writing: A Reflective Journaling Practice for Self-Discovery, Self-Care, Wellness and Creativity (2009). She regularly speaks and teaches about the healing and transformational power of writing.
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I’m an 80 year old retired museum curator and also a Vietnam Era Veteran and I’ve wondered if Journaling is for me. I’ve also enjoyed writing over the years but don’t how to go about getting started in Journaling. Any suggestions. Thank you.