“A blank piece of paper is God’s way of telling us how hard it is to be God.” Sidney Sheldon’s words echo in my head every time I open my journal, faced with the daunting task of breathing life into a blank page.

For many, the idea of journaling paints a serene picture: A quiet morning, a steaming cup of coffee, and your thoughts flowing effortlessly onto the page. For others, myself included, it feels more like standing on the edge of a high dive, gazing into the deep water below. Why does this simple act stir up such a cocktail of anxiety? Let’s unpack this knapsack of fear together, and perhaps, find a way to trade it for a sense of liberation and joy.

Journaling Jitters: Unraveling the Threads of Fear

Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who hasn’t written since high school English class, the thought of putting your raw, unfiltered emotions onto a page can be paralyzingly terrifying. Here’s what’s been bouncing around in my head:

1. The Harsh Mirror: Writing our thoughts and feelings transforms them from ephemeral mental wisps into concrete entities. It’s like staring into a mirror that reflects not our physical appearance, but the messiness of our inner world. Can I face my own reflection?
2. Invasion of Privacy: My journal is my sanctuary, a private conversation between me and the page. But what if this conversation was overheard? The thought of someone else reading my words feels like an invasion of my most sacred mental space.
3. The Perfectionist’s Trap: As I write, I’m haunted by memories of red marks on school essays. What if my prose isn’t eloquent enough? What if my grammar isn’t up to par? This fear of imperfection often holds my pen captive.
4. Self-Judgment’s Shadow: My harshest critic isn’t my old English teacher — it’s me. The thought of confronting my own judgment can make my journal seem like a courtroom rather than a safe space.

Writing Through the Fear: Turning Anxiety into Anticipation

“Fear is only as deep as the mind allows,” a wise Japanese proverb says. If we unpack our fears, perhaps we can find ways to lessen their grip on us. Here’s my game plan:

Find a Safe Space: Finding a secure place for my journal eases my worry about privacy. Whether it’s a physical journal hidden in a nook or a password-protected digital one, the security brings me peace.

Baby Steps: Journaling doesn’t have to start with a deep dive into my subconscious. It can be as simple as describing my favorite coffee mug or narrating my morning walk. As Molière once said, “Trees that are slow to grow bear the best fruit.”

Let Go of Perfection: Remembering the words of Anne Lamott, “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor,” I release myself from the shackles of perfection. My journal isn’t for grades; it’s for me.

Embrace Every Emotion: We are complex creatures, filled with a kaleidoscope of emotions. Each one, whether joyous or painful, forms the rich tapestry of my human experience. Writing them down is not giving them power — it’s understanding them.

Practice Self-Compassion: As I pen down my thoughts, I remember to be gentle with myself. My journal is a testament to my growth, and growth often comes with growing pains.

Reach Out: If the act of journaling surfaces emotions that are too overwhelming, I won’t hesitate to seek help from mental health professionals. They can provide support and strategies for navigating my emotional labyrinth.

When we view journaling as a playful dance with our thoughts, rather than a rigid march, we can find joy and liberation in it. It’s a conversation with ourselves, a way of saying, “Hey, I’m listening.” Remember, the power of your story doesn’t lie in its perfection, but in its authenticity.

So, here I am, standing on the edge of my metaphorical high dive, looking into the water below. But instead of fear, I’m starting to feel a sense of excitement. With each word I write, I’m diving deeper into the pool of self-discovery. So, join me, take the leap, and let’s find out what treasure lies in the depths of our journals.

Want to be on TV? Real TV? Talk to Tami! Tamisocialmedia@gmail.com Content one-to-one.

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Tamara “Tami” Patzer is the creator of the Authority Footprint Formula and the creator/producer of Beyond of the Best Seller Marketing System.

She helps her clients share their big messages and big missions via book publishing, social media, and mass media exposure to help them have more impact, influence, and income.

She is the creator of the Daily Success® Institute and regularly is a featured guest on podcasts, radio shows, and TV news including ABC, NBC, CBS, CW, and Fox.

Tami Patzer is the creator and producer of the Daily Success Media Network featuring seven podcasts including Women Innovators, The Daily Success Show, and The Thought Leaders Show. She also is the publisher of international best sellers Beyond the Best Seller and Women Innovators.

Tami is known for her insight into authority marketing and online visibility as well as an educator and advocate for transformational leaders who want to be seen, heard, and found, so that they can make a huge impact, have more influence, and more income.

Her latest project is the Authority Footprint Founders Club. She is the News Category Director at Podcast Magazine and a popular host and guest on many podcasts. Tamara Patzer is a former editor and a member of the Pulitzer-prize nominated Sun Coast Media Group news team for coverage of Hurricane Charley. She is the creator of Florida Gulf Coast University’s Social Media Certification program and is a frequent social media expert guest on TV news programs across the nation.