Therapy In a Pen

In a world powered and dominated by the Internet and computers, journaling still has its place. And it is a powerful place indeed. Journaling can enhance an emotion or it can turn an emotion around. By putting pen to paper a person gathers their thoughts and true reflection can take place. Situations can be put into perspective and what is truly impactful can finally be sorted out.

Journaling is often used in grief therapy. Listing all of the things you want to remember about a person can be a powerful way to realize they will always be there, just in a different way.  Each of the stages of grief has a place for journaling.

New mothers can and should journal their way through the pregnancy and into their child's lives. It can be done in short spurts and it is a way to later in life, share with your child the joy you were feeling. New fathers might want to try it as well.

Any life change is a good time to record thoughts. Although none of us want to admit it, there comes a time in life when details escape us. A bad day can be changed into a remarkable walk down memory lane years later when journals are pulled out and read.

If you think you have no time to journal, think again. What do you do with all of those 10 to 15 minute waits at doctor's offices, dancing lessons, Scout meetings? Scrape out 10 minutes of time while dinner cooks. The laundry can wait 10 minutes while you recall the good and the bad of the day.

Or close your day with a journaling session. It will allow you to put into perspective the goings on of the day and to record things you didn't really notice as events unfolded. You can write down those things you want to act on the next day so they aren't forgotten in the rush of the morning. Journaling just before you turn out the light will usually let you see the productivity of the day, and release those things that weren't as productive.

Here are some insights on journaling:

1. Start small. You don't have to fill the page every day.
2. Journaling is private time, even if you do it on a crowded bus.
3. You don't need a fancy journal. A notebook works just as well.
4. Journaling provides the "ah ha" moments of a day.
5. Even on a bad day, journaling can make the day feel productive.
6. You don't have to be a writer to journal. Even children can keep a journal.
7. Journaling doesn't have to all be done at one time. You can break up your entries as you have the time during the day and evening to devote to them.
8. You don't need a set amount of time to journal. Five minutes one day, an hour the next, no time the following is fine.
9. Journaling is an affirmation that you do have a life.
10. Journaling can make you feel good about the most important person – you --  even during trying times.