This study determines the journal motion trajectories using nonlinear equations of motion including the deformation of the bearing shell. Trajectories and time displacement plots are drawn to investigate the effect of bearing deformation on the dynamic performance of the journal bearing system. The study reveals the important changes in the dynamic response of the journal bearing system if inherent bearing flexibility is accounted in the analysis. The study, interestingly finds the improved stability margin for the journal system when elastic nature of the bearing is considered.