Can you remember an especially difficult moment in your life that you had to overcome? Do you remember how hard it was to get through the days, even the hours? How it seemed like life was just too much to bear?

When times are tough, it can be difficult to know which direction to turn. You may experience things like brain fog, confusion, anxiety, and even brand new emotions you didn't know you had. So being able to overcome adversity on your own can be a challenge without the right tools.

But one technique I've personally found to work wonders on overcoming those challenging moments is journaling.
 

You see, when you journal, you can hold a safe space for not just yourself but your innermost thoughts. Just like having my cell phone or house keys with me when I’m on the go, I also keep a journal with me at all times. I slip it right in my purse, so I'm able to access it and do a little writing whenever I need a brain dump.

Not only is journaling one of the healthiest forms of self-care, but it allows you to express yourself as if no one is listening. The self-discovery you are able to uncover with an unfiltered outlet can help you navigate a myriad of emotions during a tough time in life.

Journaling has been known to reduce stress levels and provide a sense of clarity when your mind is muddled with problems. It is said that journaling helps you clear up your mind by providing a safe space for you to voice any struggles or concerns that might be trickling around in there. It can be difficult to voice our struggles with others, but journaling is a way for us to explore the problems that are troubling us. Through journaling, we can unload what's on our minds without fear of judgment.

As humans, our brains tend to wander, and journaling provides an avenue for us to focus our thoughts by writing about them instead of letting them run wild. It can also be used as a great marker for how far you've come in getting on the other side of adversity.

And sometimes, the weight of the world can be so heavy that we fail to realize when we're experiencing challenges in life. We can become so consumed with work, family, finances, and so on, that we actually forget the importance of decompressing from time to time. So journaling can also be used as an ongoing ritual to check in with yourself and help you better manage stress before it gets out of control.

Journaling has many benefits, and it is truly one of the best things you can do for your emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Your journal is a safe space for you to voice your concerns, and what's most important isn't how long you journal, but that you make the time to write, even if it’s just a little bit. So, I'd like to share with you a few journal prompts you can use to help you not only navigate difficult times but to get on the other side:
 

Finish the sentence:

I feel at ease when:
 

What is one thing that, no matter what, you know you can do to make a positive difference in other people's lives?

And how can you make that action a part of your everyday life?
 

Describe the most inspiring person you know?

What about them makes them inspiring to you and then reflect on the similar qualities you have to them.
 

Write a letter to your younger self.

Where did you think you'd be by the age you are now? What have you accomplished in that time? What could you have never predicted would happen to you in that time?
 

Reflect on the ways you put the needs of others before your own.
 

Write about a new skill you are learning or a new hobby that you've picked up.
 

Write about your future.

Describe your home, your neighborhood, your job, your family. What do you envision will bring joy and fulfillment to your life?
 

Describe a few different ways or opportunities you can treat yourself with love and compassion.

So now that you have a few prompts to get you started, I’d also like to share with you another tool that could definitely be of value when navigating difficult times. So here you will find 3 free pre-made Mind Movies on overcoming procrastination, increased motivation, and long-lasting energy – three topics that can help you transform your subconscious mind to banish the thoughts and emotions keeping you stuck. Consider it my gift to you! You can grab your free Mind Movies right here and watch as your self-sabotaging thoughts start to fade.