For many, journaling is a very useful tool in the healing process. It is one way to express thoughts and feelings and can be reviewed over and over as desired. The journal allows the person to write freely about their feelings, questions they may have, idea's and thoughts, etc. The journal is a way of self expression which may assist in exploring the past and present. It provides an opportunity to safely release anything that may have been "stored" away because it felt unsafe to communicate. For some area's of abuse exploration, I suggest working on this or sharing it with a Therapist. |
There is no right or wrong way to journal. Many people keep a journal as a separate book that they can keep with them at all times and write things down as they happen. Others have times of the day they prefer to sit down and write. Some write everyday and some whenever they feel like writing. Journaling can be done anywhere. I used to prefer writing in my journal at night before I went to sleep. Now I write my thoughts and feelings on the computer. Journaling is a very personal tool. It is the choice of the individual as to which type of journaling works for them. I suggest keeping it in a safe place if you wish to keep it private. |
Getting started may be difficult at times. Here are a few idea's to think on. |
Tips and Techniques for Getting Started |
How to Journal |
Journaling |
Peace on Earth begins............at home. |
First off, find a book type you are comfortable with. I prefer hardbound notebooks. I found the spiral notebooks to tear easily. I did carry a small spiral one with me all the time to jot down notes as I went through the day. There are a variety of hardbounds, and many like to decorate or cover the book to make it more personal. Numbering the pages and creating an ongoing table of contents is helpful when you want to go back and find something to reread . I recommend rereading your entries at some point. It can be very insightful to the healing process. Dating each entry may also be useful. Some people use headingings for each entry as well. |
If you find you are sitting and ready to write but the words just aren't there, here is a suggestion that may get things flowing for you. Try and relax and just let the pen do it's thing. Doodling is something we often find ourselves doing as our mind wanders off to some other place. After you realize you have been doodling, write down the thoughts you were having while you were drawing. This may help to loosen you up a bit. You can doodle right there on the journal page or on a separate piece of paper if you wish. Remember this is your journal to do with as you please. Drawing is another way in which you can journal. Many people have drawn pictures to assist in expressing how they feel. There are also "idea's" you may wish to choose to write about. I have included a link on this page that has some topics and/or exercises that some may wish to use to assist in their journaling. |
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