Why does it Matter?
In the modern world of media, people are constantly affirmed by what they’re through advertisements. Capitalism is reigning through media ads on Youtube videos or even on Instagram feeds. It’s a monetized form of media that sells everything from Fashion Nova clothing to self-coach tips. This era of mass media consumption is overwhelming and hard to escape for an everyday college student. Social media instills a sense of digital identity for college students to find their own space of belonging. However, it can also make students prone to even more insecurities. The room for true self expression can be stifled. The hustle and bustle lifestyle of technological communication can be incredibly fast paced and daunting. It blocks the flow of true expression and for people to find their own voice. As college students how can we find the middle ground of enjoying our friends’ insta stories and all the media advertisements, while maintaining our true sense of self.
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Emotional Organization
Take a moment to breathe and journal in the early morning or even late at night. The power of journaling can be as simple as taking only ten minutes a day to just jot down one’s thoughts and feelings. The act of journaling itself is a raw form of communication to oneself. It enables people to decompress all these social constructs constantly evolving our social consciousness. There is no set criteria for journaling its a free flowing space to dump all emotional excess on a piece of paper. The life of a college student is bombarded with social belonging and long term career goals. Worry can flood someone’s mind other than mental peace. Once this is all relieved from our minds it’ll create more mental space for important matters such as your aspirations and dreams.
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Being Present
Once all these thoughts are written down, its beneficial when one can look back and reflect on who they once were and their strides for personal improvements. Reflection is a vital part of being present. Journaling can be a tool for people to organize their thoughts and make room for reflection on moments that matter. When stress becomes overwhelming often times people can lead with that stress in any other aspect of their lives. When a person is able to reflect on the important things in their lives it can maximize their capacity for life enjoyment and success. Being present is so much more valuable than overwhelming mental stimulation. It can leave time for moments that matter in a person’s life.
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Gratitude
The best outcome of journaling can allow a person to recognize the gratitude they have for their life. When all their apprehension about their personal struggles is written on a physical piece of paper it can give them a clear head space. It doesn’t minimize their suffering, but it can show the hope in moving forward. It enables a chance to be thankful for the present.