Journaling your journey
We often suggest that our clients try journaling to help expedite their recovery process. Their reaction has not always positive. We’ve had more than a few that have gotten the “green-around-the-gills” look of someone who is about to upchuck. After stuttering and stammering they mumble something about not being much of a writer and never knowing what to write. With a little instruction, however, most of them do eventually find it to be an extremely helpful exercise. JOURNALING . . .
- helps pull together and add clarity to the vague ideas that are floating around in your brain
- helps you focus on the issue at hand and reduces the intrusive thoughts that can derail normal thinking processes
- engages our creative, intuitive right–brain. Since most problem solving is generally done only from a left-brain analytical perspective, activating both sides of the brain helps you solve problems and see options that were previously hidden from your view
- has been shown to reduce stress and the intensity of painful memories and emotions. Many researchers believe regular journaling provides a number of other benefits to your physical well-being, as well
- is for your eyes and benefit only. You don’t need to worry about sentencestructure, spelling, punctuation or penmanship
Journaling may feel awkward at first, but it is definitely one of those things that gets easier with practice. Try spending just 15-20 minutes a day writing about the feelings and frustrations you have experienced during the last 24 hours. Write about the things that made you mad, sad or scared. Write about the disappointments and injustices in your life. Write about your blessings and the things you are grateful for.
For more ideas, check out the Psalms. David was an awesome journaler. Time after time he starts out a chapter ranting and raving and, as he writes, you see his thinking morph into praise and thanksgiving, as he processes what he is feeling.
We encourage you to pour out your heart on the page, like David did, and invite God to guide your thinking.
“Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. But whoever loves God is known by God.” — 1 Corinthians 8:2-3
1 Comment
Anonymous
January 30, 2013I especially enjoyed this post. I was never a good student, especially in English class. I didn’t like to write anything and barely got through with a passing grade. I didn’t think I’d ever like journaling until my counselor insisted I try it. “And bring it in to show me,” was her request. I felt bound to follow through with her request just like back in school when my teachers insisted. Now I just have to say journaling helps me tremendously. I no longer have anyone insisting I journal and enjoy doing it for myself. I really get a lot of what’s inside out and I have fun most of the time doing it. It’s a wonderful tool I keep using in my recovery.
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