Challenge #5: Somebody Like Me

Challenge 5 is to take the 16 Personalities quiz to better understand yourself.

I am so excited about this challenge! It is a fairly lengthy quiz, but it is worth the outcome. Answer honestly!

So much can be learned by this challenge. The section regarding how your type acts around a spouse, friends, children, at work, etc. is invaluable.  

Now, you are unique and not everything they say will resonate as part of your personality, but man does it get close! It tells you things you didn't know how to put in words about yourself. 

Learn something new and realize there are other people that have the same traits as you. It's a very comforting fact to know you are not alone. It makes you feel less weird.  

https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

Affirmation: I accept others and others accept me.

#4: Tips To Find The Best Journal For You

Are you the type of person who is biting at the bit and ready to write everyday? Probably not, most of us aren't. So find what suits you!

I went over how I like to write in the black journal, but that is only one of the many I keep. I also have a love journal between my husband and I where we write love notes to each other. It is so exciting to come home from a rough day and find our love journal sitting on my pillow waiting to uplift me.

We also have a journal specifically to record funny quotes we say to each other. Every year we go through and laugh our heads off at the silly things we said to each other.

My mother is not the type to sit down and write in a journal, her mind goes through ideas too fast. However, she does keep a notebook with her whenever an idea pops into her mind. It is not a journal per se, but it allows her to transfer ideas onto paper and it works for her!

-Unkown

Write 3 things you are grateful for, write your life story, write one sentence a month!! It doesn't matter, whatever you decide to do will benefit you! Just realize you're worth it and do it.

Affirmation: My life is important.

#4: Black Journaling Changed My Life

I Don't remember where I first learned about the "black" journal. It is known by many names: cathartic, black, angry, hate journal. I prefer black because it is where you spill everything you can onto paper and then throw it away (into the black abyss.) 

I never realized how much I kept inside until I was challenged to keep a black journal. I was instructed to get a journal or even a notebook that I didn't find all that appealing. I literally chose a black notebook. 

I was told to write when I had an issue that I couldn't fully understand, when someone made me upset, or when I had a negative feeling I couldn't shake. The trick was to write and to keep writing. Not to pay attention to penmanship, grammar, or even legibility until I exhausted the feeling or gained some insight.

An amazing change came into my life. To this day I have not had a time where I went to my notebook and didn't resolve something. I always gained new insight to the issue whether it was understanding the problem, seeing it through another persons view, or getting the feeling out of my system.

It was a blessing to have somewhere I could write and literally let go without feeling judged. It was never meant to be reread or relived. Throwing away feelings I didn't understand allowed me to find who I truly was.

I can tell you it is cheaper than therapy and works wonders on the mind.

Affirmation: I fully and completely accept myself.

Challenge #4: Pick Your Journal

This week your challenge is to Pick A Journal Type, and write in it for at least a week.

I know, journaling. How many times has someone told you to keep one? At least a thousand, right?

Well I think one of the problems is that you haven't found the right journal for you. There are so many types and one of them has to float your boat!

I have a friend who is doing a blog specifically on journaling and it is adorable. She has tips on how to better your writing, different kinds of journals, and prompts for daily writing. I would highly recommend going over and taking a look. You will definitely be inspired to write.

newleafjournaling.blogspot.com

There are also many benefits to writing in a journal. "regular writing can give you a safe, cathartic release valve for the stresses of your daily life. We've discussed some of those mental and emotional benefits of writing before, from the angle of creative writing—but you don't have to write fiction to get them. For example, we've mentioned that keeping an awesomeness journal can do wonders for your self-esteem. Not only does regular writing make you feel good, it helps you re-live the events you experienced in a safe environment where you can process them without fear or stress." -Henry, Alan. "Why You Should Keep a Journal (and How to Start Yours)."Lifehacker. N.p., 19 Mar. 2014. Web. 10 Feb. 2016.

Find the inspiration you need and feel the benefits, they are life changing!

Affirmation: What I have to say matters.

http://lifehacker.com/why-you-should-keep-a-journal-and-how-to-start-yours-1547057185 -Life hacker link

#3: Hearts to Me

After you have written your sentiments and gratitudes. I would further challenge you to write a letter to yourself. Sounds weird, but you have no one to be more grateful for than yourself. Your whole life is, because you are. That is worthy of a love letter. 

Thank yourself for your accomplishments. Tell yourself your favorite thing about you. Make it true and meaningful! You never know what you're not telling yourself. 

Affirmation: I love myself.

#3: My Experience

What a sweet experience this was for me. At first I found I was very hesitant to write to certain people who already knew I loved them. I felt awkward actually writing down my feelings, it was almost too vulnerable for me. 

I did it anyway, and I was so grateful for the outcome. In more cases than one, the letter was reciprocated with loving words I had never known people thought about me. It tickled my self worth and brought a smile to my face.

One person's note that was particularly special to me was from my adorably cute husband. He is not one to go on and on and on spouting poems of love all the day long. He can, however, write a love letter that puts Romeo to shame (in my opinion of course.) 

Isn't he cute?!

Affirmation: I am worthy and deserving of love.

Challenge #3: Letters of Love

This week I challenge you to write at least one love letter. 

As we get closer to the holiday of love, I thought it would be appropriate to write a letter of love. Now, you may not be in a relationship at this moment, but I am sure if you think hard enough you can find someone to write an appreciation letter.  

Acknowledge what they do for you, or how they make your life better. Tell them even if you think they already know!

 So often we take for granted the assumption of others "knowing", but how fun is it for them to be reminded? To feel special in a world of the mundane. Even if you are constantly telling your chosen person that you love them on a daily basis, sometimes its just nice to know WHY you love them. 

An extra challenge would be to either write a letter to someone different each day, or if that is too much, write 3 things you appreciate about someone and let them hear it!

Affirmation: I love and support others.