3 Reasons Why You Should Start A Journal This Fall

Whether you’re just about to begin your journaling journey or restarting it after a good long while, then this post and the season is timely! Fall is ideal for a number of reasons, and not only because it’s that time of the year that fills us with inspiration thanks to the beautiful, vibrant scenery that it brings. There’s something to be said about the turning point that is autumn, what it represents, and the symbolism associated with it that makes it the perfect season to pause and reflect. 

Of course, this is not to say you can’t pick up a notebook and start a journal whenever you want. Anytime in between seasons is as good as now! But if all you need is one more step to cross the threshold for you to start journaling, or else get into the habit of it again, then here are three reasons why you should definitely make fall your season of journaling! 

1. Change

There’s nothing more visually stunning and dramatic than the transition that takes place as soon as the fall season kicks in. It’s not a subtle shift either, but a complete redoing of the colors that surround us on a daily basis. It’s such a tangible change that the difference between “then and now” is particularly obvious, and it’s this contrast that makes for interesting first-time journal entries.

In an article about change by the Harvard Business Review, they mention that the “events that disrupt our habitual routines have the potential to catalyze real change.” And while autumn isn’t necessarily disruptive, the remake caused by switching seasons is enough to encourage us to look inwards and really think about the type of life we lead and what we want out of it. 

A journal can help you make sense of these types of thoughts, allowing you to understand yourself better and even providing useful strategies so you can plan out your future. Aside from a main journal for your thoughts and musings, a habit tracker will help with accountability, while setting goals will give you a clear path to move towards as you journey towards your destination. 

2. Abundance

With the crops ready for harvesting this time of the year, the autumn harvest has long been associated with wealth and prosperity. That being said, it’s fitting to take a moment to think about all the things we have plenty of in more than just the material sense, and how lucky we are that we have them. This is great as a journaling theme, but you also have the option to stick with it in the long run by keeping a gratitude journal. While it’s seasonal and relevant due in part because of Thanksgiving, being grateful is also correlated with feelings of happiness, and who doesn’t want to be happy? 

Of course, there are other types of journals out there, and even a bujo or regular journal will work if you’re looking at tracking the abundance of good in your life. It doesn’t have to be a lengthy entry either: you can take a few minutes each day to list down what you’re thankful for. 

3. Maturity

The seasons have always been represented by the cycle of life: spring is birth and new beginnings, summer is youth, and autumn is adulthood and maturity. The symbolism for fall can be taken in the literal sense depending on age, but for those who have made the transition a long time ago, this can also symbolize growth. 

Regardless, journaling is an amazing way to look back and realize how far you’ve come. That and it also allows you to sift through the many moments and experiences you’ve been through to get where you are: in the process, you can take the many lessons you’ve learned out of them to use moving forward, which you can also share and teach to others. 

This is also an opportunity to cultivate a growth mindset: it’s one thing to celebrate all your successes and focus on the hardships you’ve been through, or the sacrifices you’ve made, to become who you are, but there’s always room for improvement. After all, the cycle will always continue: winter is old age and death, and then we’re back to spring, and so on. We always want to look for ways on how we can be better versions of ourselves. 

Conclusion

A lot of the changes that happen in autumn, and much of the symbolism that represents the season, can get the gears in our heads turning. Add the scenery, Thanksgiving, and the upcoming holiday season, and there’s so much to look forward to, celebrate, and be thankful for. All these are awesome things to write about in your journal, so take advantage of the festive mood brought about by the golden quarter and use it as inspiration to get writing! 

How else can you make fall your season of journaling? Are there any other representations you can think of to associate with it? Let us know in the comments below!