Sassi Ochoa, a CIJ clarity catalyst and transformational trainer, embraces her purpose of service-driven living. Through various roles as a blogger, coach, runner and wanderlust enthusiast, she embodies diverse forms of leadership, inspiring others to explore their own paths of empowerment.
Journaling is more than just putting pen to paper; it is a lifeline. In moments of chaos, it provides clarity. In times of emotional turmoil, it offers release. And when life feels overwhelming, it becomes a quiet space where healing begins.
Writing allows you to pour out your thoughts without fear of judgment, process emotions that seem impossible to untangle, and uncover truths about yourself that might otherwise remain hidden. It is a powerful tool for self-discovery, emotional detoxification, and mental well-being.
For some, journaling has been a transformative practice, a way to navigate depression, anxiety, or grief. For others, it is a daily ritual that grounds and centers them, offering an anchor in a fast-moving world. Regardless of your circumstances, journaling can help you reconnect with your inner self and find hope, strength, and resilience.
In the following article, I will share my journey with journaling, the life-changing benefits it has brought me, and how you, too, can use this simple yet profound tool to find your way back to yourself.
“I can shake off everything as I write, my sorrows disappear, my courage is reborn.” – Anne Frank
My emotional release and personal growth with journaling
A few years ago, I discovered the healing power of journaling. Although I had always enjoyed writing, ever since winning my first short story contest as a teenager, I was unaware of the liberating possibility of writing without adhering to the rules of prose, grammar, or syntax. Even more transformative was embracing the concept of writing without judgment.
I emphasize "no judgment" because that has truly been the most profound gift of journaling.
When I write for this magazine, my blog, or emails to colleagues, I strive for assertiveness, accuracy, engagement, and all the necessary ingredients to deliver value to the reader. Journaling, however, is entirely different. There are no rules or expectations, just freedom. These pages are for me alone, a private space where thoughts flow unfiltered and unedited. Perhaps one day, a future grandchild may stumble upon them during an unexpected encounter with the past, but for now, they remain mine, untouched by outside eyes or standards.
That said, while you can explore online to find the best journaling approach for yourself, such as 6 Journaling Techniques That Will Change Your Life, I am going to share what journaling means to me and how I have experienced this transformative tool:
Writing, for me, is healing. It is an act that liberates, heals, expresses, and unravels the mystery of my being.
Writing, for me, is poetic. Every word I write reflects the art of my existence, capturing both its light and shadow.
Writing, for me, is liberating. Emptying my mind of toxic thoughts, fears, secrets, and sadness frees me from the heavy burden of my emotional backpack.
Writing, for me, is relaxing. Whether it is a single line, a sentence, a paragraph, or several pages, it does not matter. My handwriting can be shaky or neat, the ink any color, and the size of my letters uneven. I can doodle, draw, or stick stickers in my journal. In my territory, everything is allowed.
Writing, for me, is being in the flow. There is no moment more intimate or connected to myself than when I sit down to write what is stirring within me. It is the purest expression of being present with myself.
Writing, for me, is a log. It is a record of my journey through life. Who better than me, the one living this life, to document its milestones? The most profound way I have come to know and recognize myself has been through writing.
Writing, for me, is free will. Unlike other habits that demand consistency and discipline, journaling offers complete freedom. Whether I write daily, weekly, monthly, or only occasionally, its healing effects remain unchanged.
Start a new year’s journaling
As the year ends, you are likely starting to think about your goals for 2025. What if you made journaling one of those goals or used it as a powerful tool to support achieving your other aspirations?
Here are some practical tips to help you start journaling and make it a part of your life right away:
Choose a special journal: Select a journal that feels meaningful to you. A hardcover journal, for example, might carry more significance than a spiral notebook.
Pick a dedicated pen: Use a special pen exclusively for journaling. Perhaps a gold or silver pen can make the act feel intentional and unique.
Keep your journal accessible: Leave your journal in a visible place, and consider taking it with you when you leave home or travel. Any moment could be the perfect time to write, even during a long subway ride.
Focus on experiences, not just facts: There is no right or wrong way to write, but try to explore your experiences rather than just describing the facts. For instance:
Descriptive language: "I woke up late today and didn’t have time to meditate or exercise."
Experiential language: "Today, I feel frustrated, sleepy, and reactive because I couldn’t do my morning routine."
Capture inspiration: If you hear something inspiring, such as a quote, an idea, or even a moment worth remembering, write it down. We are all part of a collective consciousness, and the thoughts of others often blend beautifully with our own.
Respect your privacy: Protecting your privacy does not necessarily mean hiding your journal. Instead, set clear boundaries with those you live with. Let them know your journal is personal, much like glasses tailored to a specific person’s vision. It is meaningful and useful only to you.
When your journal is filled, save it and revisit its pages randomly in the future. You will be amazed at what your past self wrote; the fears released, the wounds healed, the progress made, the challenges faced, and the goals achieved. It is a powerful reminder of your growth and resilience from those moments to where you stand today.
You truly wrote the most beautiful song of your life!
If you feel that journaling would be useful for you and you would like to go deeper into the practice of mindful moments, register in the Clarity Catalyst Program 2025
Read more from Sassi Ochoa
Sassi Ochoa, Mindfulness & Transformational Coach
Sassi Ochoa combines 15 years of successful experience in the insurance sales industry with 5 years of holistic leadership experience, spanning both professional and personal domains.
Committed to providing Latin people with the same transformative educational opportunities she has experienced translated Stanford University's prestigious CIJ Clarity Catalyst program into Spanish during the 2020 pandemic, facilitating it in her community's mother language since then. Additionally, she created the virtual workshop "Leadership is written with H", designed to connect managers and collaborators with their commitment, emotional competences, and the significance of teamwork.
