Any creative pursuit has the power the change you. It has been proven, but I can personally attest to it. Whether I am writing, sewing, cooking or solving problems in my work, I can feel an energy shift and a new perspective when the task is complete.
I have kept a journal since 1974, when my first major relationship hit its first major bump. I found a notebook and pen when the seemingly unbearable pain was swirling around in my body and had to be ejected. I wrote until it changed, and I could think straight again. I’ve been journaling ever since, usually every day and definitely in times of stress when I needed to experience that catharsis again.
When things are calm, journaling is more of a path of self-discovery. The energy still shifts, but in an unexpected way. Many times, after several minutes of writing, I have gasped with an Ah-ha! of discovery. I don’t think I’d know myself as well as I do if I had not been writing all these years. It has been a blessing.
Journaling is about process, not product. My old journals are filled with process, not beautiful writing. They are who I was, and they made me who I am. They are a repository for negative emotions, confusion and growing up. I don’t even know why I keep them, because they are the past, as dumped through process.
Over the years, I have taken and taught many journaling workshops. There are a few basic guidelines I always explain at the outset, but remember – this is your journey and only you can experience your own process.
> Freewrite. Keep the pen on the page (or fingers on the keyboard) for ten minutes without stopping. If you are stuck, write ‘I am stuck’ or ‘I don’t know what to write’ until something comes. It always does. If you don’t want to think about time, commit to a minimum number of pages. Three worked well for me with pen and paper. Figure out what works for you.
> Use comfortable writing tools. Find a pen and journal that allow your mind to move effortlessly. You can also buy journaling software or use an online, password protected site. The point it, use what works for you, so you can concentrate on writing, not problems with your tools.
> Create a ritual. I used to get my journal and pen out at night, and prepare the coffee pot. In the morning, I’d turn on the coffee and start writing. I’d have a couple pages written by the time the coffee was done. Those first thoughts are powerful and full of discovery, and I would get them on paper before my mind got cluttered with daily life. The joke today is that whoever gets my first email or Facebook response has essentially read my morning journaling.
> Date every entry. It helps to know where you were at a certain point in your life. I have loose pages with no date, no names in the entries, and no identifying information, and I scratch my head wondering what I was doing! Dates are also good for comparing from year to year, and it gives your journals and your growth some continuity.
> Feel fragile and be brave. Keep going when you think you are done. This is where the discoveries are. Get out of your comfort zone!
> Your deepest self is not just prose. Color, paste pictures and mementos, doodle, decorate, write poetry or song lyrics. Express yourself!
> On privacy. What we divulge in our journals may be subconsciously edited if we think it might be read against our wishes. Explain to your family that this is a private activity for you and that you would like your space and your journal to not be invaded. Offer to share some entries with your family to assuage any fears, insecurities or curiosities they may have. Be sure they know that’s the only time they can partake of your journal. Some women I know have had to create a secret compartment in the trunk of their cars to maintain their privacy and safety. I hope you never have to do that.
> On seeking professional help. A journal is a safe place to open up. No one judges you, no one talks back, and you are allowed to be your true self. Because of this safety factor, you may unearth emotions you were unaware of or you may touch on things you’ve been afraid to explore elsewhere. If you cannot emotionally handle what you find, please seek professional help.
> Enjoy your journey!
> The journaling prompts.
> I have created An Environmental Journal, a blank journal of quotes on nature, writing and self-discovery. It’s a PDF to download and only costs $5!
> Here are some books I refer to frequently:
> And a few blank journals:
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