Looking for Patterns

One of my daughter’s favourite pastimes is looking for patterns in what might seem like random events. She does this in every day life while waiting for things to happen. This is a useful technique for journal writing. If you tend to notice patterns you probably already remark on them in your journal. Finding patterns is something you can begin to do in your journal, though.

I believe journal writing is mostly a creative activity and process. The logic mind tends to take a back seat to allow the other parts of the mind to get a work out. Looking for patterns in journal writing and every day events hones your logic skills, too.

Most of the time patterns emerge when rereading your journal. It’s when you’re most likely to tune into repeated comments, emotions and the routines of your recorded life. But you can find patterns while still writing your journal by developing your observation skills.

For example, I will often write out the issues hubby and I argue about. I’ll get a chance to present my case as I really see it, without his input, on paper. I also get a chance to view the things we’ve said dispassionately. Later this helps me sort my thoughts. I can explain and argue far better than when I felt hot with emotion in the argument. But, I’ve also begun to look for the patterns in these arguments and my written descriptions. I’ve begun to see the issues before I write about them. I’ve noticed what it is I really want before I even go through the whole emotional reaction part.

This was a huge breakthrough for me, but only one example of taking note of the patterns of your life. Others have successfully used food and/or exercise journals to help them lose/gain weight. You can use this technique to break habits such as smoking or cutting, or to explore other negative aspects of your life you are seeking to change.

Heather
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