A few months ago I began writing a journal. I would write one entry every day after lunch. People had told me that keeping a journal can be wonderfully therapeutic, I had never quite understood why. At first journaling seemed tedious, so much writing just to have a record of an average day.
I began the process in mid December and every day made sure to note two things; How I was feeling that day, and how I thought I would feel the following day.
The first week I found nothing special, it was as I had expected it would be. Following that week however, I caught myself thinking, “I’ve been in a real rut, I’ve felt this way for a while now.” then I realized that I can check my sources. I went back to the journal and read an account of how I was feeling a week before, and sure enough, I saw much more fluctuation in mood than I had expected.
Before journaling I was aware that our moods fluctuate pretty heavily, but I didn’t realize how permanent those moods could actually feel.
As I continued journaling I saw more mounting evidence of this phenomenon. There would be many times where I would predict that I’d stay in a bad mood for a long time and yet it would clear up within a couple of days.
What was interesting is this feeling was not mood dependant, whether the mood was good or bad it always felt more permanent than it was. Now of course this is anecdotal, but I would venture to say that I am not the only one who experiences this.
I believe that this phenomenon has a profound effect on the emotional balance we try to maintain in our lives.
Some people suffer tremendously wondering whether or not they will ever feel happy again in times of great sadness. Some people cling to the happiness they felt before so strongly that they don’t realize it is causing them pain. I’ve been both of these people before, as I feel most people have.
If we could just remember how fluidly our moods flow then we could start to find more stability in ourselves. Gaining this perspective has two components. To begin, one must record where there mood is consistently, daily recording is ideal. Following this, one must also make sure to reflect and truly represent how they are feeling at that given time.
In times of trouble I have found this to be a great help, though not a cure to emotional troubles it definitely helps bring perspective and ease some emotional pain.
Thoughts on the matter? Let’s discuss in the comments.