No Rules: My Journaling Method

When people think of journaling, the image that often comes to mind is a traditional one: paper, notebooks, and handwritten entries. This was my perception as well. However, I always felt uneasy about writing on paper due to the risk that someone might read what I had written. This fear of exposure kept me from expressing my true thoughts and feelings, which defeated the very purpose of journaling. What I wanted most was a space where I could write down my deepest, most honest feelings—something that would remain a secret known only to me.

For a long time, I avoided truly authentic journaling. The idea of putting down negative thoughts was especially daunting. I believed that writing negative things could make them real. This belief stemmed from my exposure to self-help books that emphasized the idea that “thoughts become reality” and the importance of thinking positively. While this advice may work for some, I realized it had a negative impact on me. It led me to suppress my true emotions, particularly the negative ones.

But I reached a point where I couldn’t hold back any longer. I began to question everything I had believed. Was it really so bad to have negative thoughts? Did acknowledging them make me a failure? The moment I stopped rejecting my negative emotions was when I found freedom. I allowed myself to write everything down—no filters, no fear.

The challenge was finding a way to do this that felt safe. Through trial and error, I discovered a solution: using Google Docs. Unlike paper, this digital method ensured my privacy. If I wanted to delete what I wrote, I could do so easily. There was no need for perfection; it was a space for raw expression. I could write whenever and wherever I felt the need, thanks to my phone. This method became the foundation of my serious journaling practice.

Having a place where I could vent my thoughts without judgment became a source of comfort and resilience. The knowledge that I had this outlet strengthened me and kept me grounded. I highly recommend this approach to anyone who struggles with finding a safe space for self-expression.

Switching to digital journaling on Google Docs transformed the way I process my emotions. It offered the freedom I craved and gave me a tool to compare my thoughts as time goes by. Most importantly, it allowed me to make journaling a habit that truly works for me, without rules and without limits.

About Me: Hi, I’m Evolving Mind. Through this blog, I share my journey of self-discovery and mental well-being. Journaling has been a powerful tool for me, and I hope to inspire others to find their own path to peace and clarity.