iOS 17.2 is now available and adds a new app called Journal. And as 2024 draws to a close, it’s an ideal time for self-reflection. Now, you may be wondering why you need a journal app on your iPhone, especially if you already have a notes app. Well, let’s talk about it.
Is journaling different from note-taking?
People have been writing diaries for quite some time. Initially, it was done in a diary, a physical notebook where you shared the important things of the day, hidden in a locked drawer away from curious eyes. Journaling is a form of self-reflection that, when done regularly, helps you understand yourself and find areas where you can grow.
Note-taking, on the other hand, is administrative and focuses primarily on remembering what you need to buy or do.
Of course, no one (or almost anyone) uses a physical notebook these days (I mean, I’ve almost forgotten how to write with a physical pen, and no matter how many times I try, it doesn’t write very beautifully. ) That’s where the new Journal app comes to the rescue.
It’s no secret that technology exists to help us accomplish more and be more productive and entertained. But technology can also help us grow.
It’s a busy world…
We’re always running around with work, kids, housework, projects, etc., so we rarely have time to catch up with ourselves. But self-reflection is an essential part of becoming a better person and growing. why? Because if you don’t know yourself, what drives you, what makes you angry, you can’t move forward and evolve as a person.
The Journal app comes in handy when you forget to take time for yourself. It can remind you to write or give you suggestions if you feel lazy to read a blank page.
What diary apps also have over regular physical diaries is that you can easily add photos, videos, and other media to your diary entries. How does this help with self-reflection? Let’s say you’ve had an active day outdoors and you’ve taken lots of photos of nature. You want to remember the feelings the experience brought you, so write it down in your diary.
Are you having a bad day? You may be able to understand the situation better if you write down a simple audio note of your feelings. Sometimes we don’t know how to fix it and just sulk. Naming the emotions you’re feeling can help you clear your mind and begin to address the problem.
And with all these entries in your journal app, you start to see the bigger picture about yourself and your emotions. So you can know yourself better and make lasting changes to reach your full potential.
Journaling Challenge: Give it a try!
You may still think that journal apps are pointless. But you won’t know until you actually try it, right? In fact, journaling and self-reflection need to be done regularly for some time before you start to feel the benefits.
Let’s take on the challenge together! Try making at least one entry every day for 14 days (you can make more). Then, on day 14, examine the entries and try to find three things:
- What things or experiences inspire me?
- what situations make me angry
- What can I improve about myself?
See if you can find something you didn’t know about yourself.