featured Archives - Rosie Battista

Journaling offers so much joy because it releases you from holding everything inside.

If I told you journaling could could change your life… would you make a commitment to a practice?

It might feel scary at first to put your authentic thoughts to paper. I mean what if someone read your deepest darkest thoughts? I remember as a teen, my Dad would give us a new dated journal every new year, where we could record our daily events. I was petrified of that thing so I kept it very simple, only listing things I did for the day. Heaven forbid, I would dare collect my innermost feelings and thoughts in a place where I could be discovered.

As I got older and more mature, my journals evolved with me. It became my best friend, my confidant, my healer, my voice. It was a safe place for me to process through lives ups and downs, to ask for guidance and to receive answers. It was literally a life changer for me. I give credit to my journal practice for helping me clear my darkest issues.

Journaling helps you calm down and dig deep. When you take pen to paper something magical happens. As we sit and write, we settle down, we calm down and we center in. Through our own words we find answers, a place to sort things out, clarity and focus.

The very act of free self reflection is a letting go that helps us feel less cluttered, less stuck, more clear, more centered. It opens up doors you never thought possible.

Have I convinced you yet?

Okay so here’s more. Health benefits include reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and strengthening your immune system. As a spiritual tool, it deepens your spiritual connection, releases your creative flow, organically improves your writing style, frees up your self expression and opens up your throat chakra.

No matter where you are, the best way to start is actually anywhere that feels right. There are no rules and no one is judging your journal entrees. A consistent practice is the key to reaping the delicious benefits that journaling brings.

Buy yourself a beautiful notebook, make yourself a cup of tea, and look upon those empty pages as an opportunity. Free yourself from situations that weigh you down, circumstances that hold you back, questions you want answered, or anything on your mind.

Journaling is freedom from all those things you’ve been holding in side.

There are many forms and styles of journaling so you’re certain to find a style that fits you well.

Here are just a few of the many styles you can experience:

1) Wake Up Journal

I’ve noticed when I journal as soon as I wake up and I’m not fully awake that many great ideas get born. Before I’m involved and distracted from daily life things and my thoughts are free to flow, they come out without resistance. This is a great time to let your creativity grow.

2) Good Nite Dump Journal

I’ve noticed that a journal by my bedside aids in a peaceful nite sleep. You don’t want to clog up your sweet slumber with thoughts floating around in your head. Before I retire for the night I dump all the things on my mind and all the things I’m worried about doing the next day. Right there in my journal and out of my head so I can rest up.

3) Gratitude Journal

I’ve noticed that the more I am aware and take note of all the good that is in my life the more grateful I become and that’s always a good thing. Keep a designated Gratitude Book and jot down what you’re grateful for as a reminder.

4) Question Answer Journal

I’ve noticed when I am bothered about something and need an answer, I can get it from my journal. I write the question on top of the page and in silence close my eyes and write what comes. This is also a way to speak to your guides, your source, to God. I trust the answer will flow into my pen and onto the paper and it always does.

5) Sacred Soul Journal

I’ve noticed that waking up in the wee early morning hours is a sacred time. While everything is still still, I sit up in the dark, not fully awake, grab pen to paper and just let it flow. This is a time when your ego hasn’t kicked in to involve itself in your writing. What you get here is raw goodness and deep stuff. It’s one of my favorite ways to clear things up and deepen my spiritual connection.

6) Specific Category Journal

You call it. Category journals are super fun and a great way to discover more about yourself. What do you want to compile all in one place, what do you want to notice, what do you want to explore, what do you want to create? Category Journals are perfect for that thing you want to focus on. Imagine a Creative Journal, an Idea Journal, an Inner Child Journal, a Nature Journal, Your Life Journey Journal, a Sketch Book Journal, a Prayer Journal, a Dream Journal, a Travel Journal.

Make journaling part of your life habits and watch the magic begin to happen for you!

P.S. If you’re ready to dig in and get going, come join me in a weekly “She Journals Club”

P.S.S. If you’re really a journal lover like me, you might want to make your own. I teach you all you need to know in my Journal Creation Course. You can make them for yourself or for your clients/customers.

If you would like to start out with guided journals, check out my I Am Spiritual Journal and my Naked Truth Self Love Journal.

Chances are, you might have ever so slightly slid or even slam dunk fallen off your recently created, best intended, new years resolution. Don’t worry, I’m not beating on you for it. As a matter of fact, according to U.S News & World Report, you’re with a lot of other people. The failure rate is 80%, and most lose their resolve by mid-February, which is exactly why I’ve got a solution to your broken resolution.

Several years ago, I resolved to end this ridiculous idea. Why would I set myself up knowing that the odds are massively against me?

I replaced it with a new practice called “Word Of The Year” or “WOTY”. It’s a kinder, gentler, and I would argue, more powerful change agent that keeps you going throughout the year — making remarkable changes in your growth and attitude.

What’s in a word ?

Your word represents an idea/ feeling that you continually rise up to. Your word is kept top and center of all your actions and decisions throughout the year. What’s cool is that your word adjusts to each particular situation and different circumstance that comes along in your life.

Why I chose my WOTY

Truth be told, my word this year was exactly that. TRUTH. It’s the word that kept coming to me and so I decided it would be given the place of honor for 2021. Once you see how my word will fit into my life, you’ll see for yourself how to uncover yours.

My WOTY reminds me that my focus and my goals all lead with truth. It means that I will choose truth, being always mindful that I speak my truth. That I know the ultimate truth, which enables me to further my relationship with God. That I will seek the truth and not be blindly led my news or gossip. That I will allow others to experience their truth without judgement or trying to talk them into mine.

Wow, right? I know, it’s so expansive. My word has deeper legs than any single resolution I could have made. It’s easier to navigate and keep working with. It’s fun because I can watch myself learn and grow from it and can apply it directly to each life scenario I encounter.

How to chose your WOTY

So here’s what you do.

First reflect on it –

You can do this by visualizing what your perfect day feels like. What is your morning routine, how do you feel while you are working, how do you feel throughout the day? Think of a feeling (what you would want your perfect day to feel like) and look at words that match your feeling. Make a list of the world that speak to you. For example you can make a list like this:

action, balance, integrity, health, simplicity, peace, creativity, grace, patience, joy, fun, focus, growth…

…you get the idea. Use your feelings and look up words that represent it. Words you can aspire to and have fun with. Circle 2-3 words that jump out to you.

Second meditate on it —

Place yourself in a relaxed state. Set the scene with soft music, candlelight. Close your eyes and let your intuition flow. Let it do the work. Which word will be yours this year? Ask yourself what feels right, exciting, even a little scary? (and don’t worry, you can pick 2 if you’re really fond of them) This is a great way to practice your intuitive guidance – so let it lead the way.

Why it works

It works because it’s simple. It’s doable and it’s actionable. It’s fun and easy to keep your word with you.

Here are 5 fun and effective ways to keep your word:

1) Post it – You can write it on a post it note and stick on your refrigerator, bathroom mirror and computer. I like to make it into a book more.

2) Book Mark it – This is my favorite. I cut a piece of pretty paper to bookmark size, write my word, decorate with images and laminate it. You can do this at staples or your can purchase your own laminator. Big tip: I bought a laminator years ago for this very project. You can turn this WOTY idea into an annual family new year project

3) Frame it – My daughter does this every year. She writes her word, and the definition along with it – so she’s super clear on her goal – puts her frame front and center in her home so she sees it everyday.

4) Bead it – One year I even made a beaded bracelet with those alphabet beads you can find at the craft store. This is super fun, because your arm is never far from you. If you don’t want to involve yourself in making your own, there are companies out that there will do this for you – check out ETSY.

5. Rock it – Paint your word on a rock. Use your rock as a paper weight for your dest or decoration for your dresser.

The point is you want to make your word your point.

Your WOTY is expansive. It has the meaning you give it and can be applied to all areas of your life – remember the example I showed you with my truth.

It becomes the foundation you build upon. Unlike a resolution which is specific and sometimes narrowly focused, your word grows with you. You’ll find it less restrictive and you won’t throw in the towel on it. You can use your word in your daily meditation journaling or as a mantra to keep you focused.

Don’t sweat that it’s not the beginning of a new year at this moment or that you need to wait for next new year’s eve to hit go. Right now is the perfect time to begin this fun new practice that will take you thru the rest of this year feeling focused and good about what you’re up to.

Your assignment if you choose to accept it – Keep your word and use your feet (aka take action).

Joys of Journaling