I know journaling is not for everyone. I also know finding time to journal as a caregiver can be daunting. That being said, I am still going to point out the joys of journaling.
I have been an off and on again journaler over many years but these last few years I have been intentionally on. Journaling has helped me clarify my thoughts, reduce my anxiety, especially during Covid, manage uncertainty, and to lighten up.
Journaling is a practice of taking time to write and reflect on your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
This article is an invitation for you to use writing as a way of healing, as a tool to process emotions that can only be understood as they flow out onto the paper.
Journaling is a powerful tool for personal growth, self-discovery, improved health and creative expression. It is a life enhancing practice.
Journal writing is something you do your own way and make it what you need it to be. There are no rules. It is a friend any time, anywhere. It is a tool to help reduce stress or cope with depression or sadness. Journaling can help you work out problems and bring you insight. It helps you discover the wisdom and intuition inside of you.
Grab yourself a notebook, paper, or a computer. I prefer writing by hand.
I find myself more involved physically and emotionally.
Fortunately, the process of journaling isn’t a difficult one to start. Just a few minutes per day or 2 or three times per week. Do what is right for you. There are no “shoulds.”
I use what are called “prompts” in the groups that I facilitate to get the participant’s writing going. It can be a word, a phrase, a quote, a poem, a picture, or an object. You can find prompts everywhere. Your writing will teach you what you need.
Encouragements:
- Date your journal entry.
- Choose tools that support your journaling. Have a favorite journal and a pen that you enjoy writing with.
- Listen to yourself about what you want to write.
- Consider the privacy of your journal. Put it in a private place if you don’t want someone to read it.
- Don’t judge, criticize or critique your writing. Just write!
Journaling can help you to love and fully accept yourself exactly as you are.
Be curious, be a journaler!