Keeping a journal is an obvious way to build some reflection into your life. There are many different ways to approach this sort of personal writing - your choice will depend on your reason for keeping a journal in the first place. Personally, I’ve found that I have to let go of the desire for my journal to look perfectly beautiful - like some creative piece of art I would be happy to put on display - and rather to simply embrace it as a place of jottings, scribbles and the odd coffee stain. If growth is the goal then more important than presentation is for your journal to become a place of honest reflection. 

When we start to reflect on our lives, we are presented with a choice: will we humbly face who we really are, as different from who we want to be? Journaling is a way to do this, providing us with a regular opportunity to ‘look in the mirror’, as it were. When we journal reflectively and with humility, this allows us to become increasingly self-aware. Humility reminds us to listen to God as we reflect, aware that we have much to learn. Journaling provides a framework for intentional and focused participation in an ongoing conversation with God (hide your journal from prying eyes, if you must!).

In addition to journaling and responding to specific questions, as we become willing to share our authentic selves with others, we are enabled to grow with their support. If you are anything like me, while you’re aware that we need others to be part of our growth process, it's not always easy to know how to invite others in. 

What might it look like for you to invite others into this journey of growing awareness? Think of those people with whom you already have good and growing relationship. Perhaps you could invite two or three of these friends to join you in a regular time of authentic, undefended discussion. Agree a question you will each make the focus of your individual journalling. Then each time you meet - over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine - you could talk through your personal responses to the question. What came up for you? How was this similar or different to what your friends found themselves mulling over? Not only is this a sure way to deepen these relationships, but you will be creating a hot house for growth in your own life.

We learn from listening to the others and “When we learn to listen,” as Henri Nouwen says, “our lives become obedient.” The conversation that emerges as a result of these intimate connections can lead us to experience our ordinary everyday lives in a more honest and life-giving way.