Chapter 1: The Journey Back to My Journal

During the lockdown, I found myself returning home after several years away. With nostalgia washing over me and plenty of free time, I began sifting through my bookshelf filled with old novels. Hidden in a dusty corner was an old journal I had kept six years prior. The moment I laid eyes on that green notebook, a wave of emotion hit me. This was the very notebook that had once been my lifeline at the age of 16.

In 2014, amid teenage angst and family struggles, I sought solace in that thin green book. I would pour hours into writing poetry and reflecting on various issues. My early entries included passionate rants about topics like animal cruelty. Writing was my form of therapy; whenever strong emotions surged within me, I unleashed them onto the pages through my pen.

As I turned the slightly yellowed pages, I was pleasantly surprised by the insight my younger self had woven into her words. Despite the hardships, she seemed to navigate life with more clarity than I possess in my twenties.

#1: The Power of Self-Reflection

Self-reflection became my anchor. I would sit for hours, pen in hand, contemplating my thoughts and feelings. This practice provided a safe space for me to evaluate my worries from a more objective perspective. Writing alleviated my pain, allowing me to dissect my triggers and reactions. Yet, as I grew older and busier with work and studies, I neglected this vital practice.

What to do now:

I plan to start a thought-reaction journal, documenting events and my responses to them. This will enable me to analyze situations and develop more constructive reactions for the future.

#2: The Healing Influence of Fiction

In one section of my notebook, I had penned several book reviews along with my thoughts on how they helped me cope with challenging times. It dawned on me that fiction served as my refuge during moments of teenage turmoil. I found companionship in characters who mirrored my struggles, and fiction allowed me to escape into enchanting worlds.

What to do now:

I will recommit to reading for pleasure. With my busy schedule and excessive social media use, I haven't read a single fictional book in over a year. My goal is to read one book each month that brings me joy, rather than just knowledge.

#3: Building a Support Network

To combat loneliness, I sought out online support groups. During that time, my passion for K-Pop and K-dramas was not shared by my friends. Once I had a phone, I eagerly joined various online communities, making countless friends. Although I never met them in person, they provided me with immense emotional support. Unfortunately, as college began, I lost touch with these connections.

What to do now:

Recently, I have struggled to reach out and make new friends. A 2018 survey revealed that about 40% of young adults often feel lonely, a statistic that has likely worsened since the pandemic. Reflecting on my younger self, I admire her proactive approach to combating loneliness by forming a support network. I aim to reconnect with friends I haven’t spoken to in years and create a supportive circle for myself.

Final Thoughts

As I spent days revisiting my old journal, I felt a deep sense of pride for my younger self. She demonstrated resilience and strength during challenging times. Before the pandemic, I often labeled my teenage years as filled with angst and sadness, overlooking the strengths that helped me endure those struggles. I am grateful for her journey.

Chapter 2: Transformative Insights from My Journal

In the video "You can change your life in 6 months, here is how to do it," the speaker discusses actionable steps to transform your life, which resonates with my journey of self-discovery and growth.

The second video titled "BIG LIFE JOURNAL 2nd Edition & LESSON PLANS Review || Growth Mindset for Kids || 2020" emphasizes the importance of cultivating a growth mindset, a principle I aspire to apply in my life as I reconnect with my journaling habits.