“The Universe provides us with two wells to dip into: fear and love. What one do you draw from to create your life? Your answer to this question is critical because thought is the first part of creation. As we think, we create; and therefore, our lives are the reflection of our thinking on all conscious levels.” - Anonymous

Journal writing is a forum for our thoughts, which in turn create our future. When we sit down to write in our journals we ought to regard it as a venue for co-creating the lives we want. When we face a blank sheet of paper (or screen), we are provided with the option of choosing our words based on two possible thoughts: positive and negative. Because the words we pen are a reflection of our thoughts (and soul), and through journaling we transfer our thoughts from our minds to paper, it is best to journal with positive thoughts and gratitude. The result is that the thoughts that were etched in our minds are reinforced in our subconscious when stated or written repetitively. Therefore, if our journaled thoughts have the tendency toward negativity, then it will follow that our lives will perpetuate in being negative and vice-versa.
To further understand the way the conscious, subconscious, and superconscious work together, consider the idea that “The subconscious is simply power without direction,” (Florence Shovel Shinn, The Game of Life and How to Play It). In the hierarchy of the three layers of consciousness: conscious thoughts are those produced in our living minds and are often formed based on exterior experiences and influences; subconscious thoughts are those formed by the continual influences of our conscious thoughts. Simply put, if we constantly think negative thoughts at our conscious level, our subconscious hears and absorbs these thoughts as the truth and will begin to generate negative circumstances in our lives. But, if we primarily think positive thoughts, our subconscious hears and absorbs these thoughts as the truth and will begin to generate positive circumstances in our lives. The superconscious is our higher self. When we are in alignment with our superconscious (i.e. emotionally happy and in tune with our desires), our path is readily available to us.
Think of the conscious as a car, the subconscious as the engine, and the superconscious as the destination. The car (conscious) fuels the engine (subconscious) with the goal of reaching a destination (superconscious). If the car fills the engine with negativity, it will clog the engine and wreak havoc on the possibility of reaching the intended destination. If, however, the car fuels the engine with positive thoughts, the engine will run and function at an optimal level and will hence reach its intended destination without fail.
When you sit down with your beloved cup of tea and cookies to journal, consider that when you put positive affirmations, thoughts, and desires to paper it is much like using your words to create the life you want. Think of what you write as having the potential of being created, because it will, and when it comes to fruition you’ll have your journal to reflect back on and realize that you are a co-creator in your life.

- Heather Hummel, Co-Author Gracefully: Looking and Being Your Best at Any Age

Author's Bio: 

Heather Hummel is an author whose published work includes: Gracefully: Looking and Being Your Best at Any Age (McGraw Hill, 2008), “Heart Strings” in the Blue Ridge Anthology: Poetry and Prose of Central Virginia Writers (Cedar Creek, 2007) alongside notable authors David Baldacci and Rita Dove, and "Signs from Mima" a featured essay in Messages of Hope and Healing (Sunpiper Press, 2006).

A graduate with high distinction from the University of Virginia where she holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree with concentrations in English and secondary education, Heather is currently working toward a Ph.D. in Metaphysical Sciences. She has completed two novels and is working on other non-fiction, Body, Mind, and Soul based books. Additionally, Heather is a member of the International Women’s Writing Guild, and is a writing coach to aspiring writers. Heather lives with her two dogs and writes in Charlottesville, Virginia.