Journal Writing is a Pathway to Your Soul - "Got Words"

Journal Therapy 101 — I wanted to talk a bit about journal writing and how important it can be for mind, body and spirit.

Journaling is a great release of those deep thoughts and feelings that you carry around with you.  As they build up the heaviness placed upon your mind takes up so much room, that new positive thoughts and ideas have limited room to grow and prosper. It is difficult to embrace new opportunities with a clouded mindset.

When I was a young girl going through trauma and abuse my creative outlet was always writing and drawing. I would write down my thoughts, feelings and even imaginative stories. I would take myself to new and exciting places ultimately helping myself find solace and freedom from the everyday grind. My life was very dark and difficult, but to tap into my “inner self” and create was an amazing feeling. I would go off into the woods with my dog, sit under the big pine trees and write for hours. I was so lost in my own little world, that I would forget my troubles for a little while.

Little did I know - that I was using coping skills that I was not even aware of. These self-soothing skills got me through some of the worst times of my life. I was engulfed in my stories and living out these grand scenarios inside my mind. These amazing skills transferred over to my adult life and helped me become the writer that I am today.

So many people say to me, “Well you’re a writer, so it is easy for you, I can’t write!”    

My answer to that is this - It does not matter if you are an awful writer or a great writer, it’s about putting words on paper.  They do not even have to make sense.

When you can take the thoughts from your mind and transfer them onto paper you are on your way to journaling.  It can be one word (maybe how you feel in the moment) or a short sentence stating your frustrations or sadness. There are no wrong answers.

For example:  I used to write this statement over and over again

                          I DESERVE BETTER -  I AM WORTH IT

This was a statement I wrote in my journal over 1000 times, and I would say it to myself over and over again.  At first, it was just silently reading it, but then I decided to start saying the words out loud. How empowering. I was manifesting “mindset change”.

This is the beginning of taking those deep dark thoughts and feelings inside your mind and getting them out once and for all.   When you finally say the words out loud you are ultimately “Breaking the Silence” freeing yourself from this heavy burden.  You are now on your way, to gaining a VOICE.  

I want to ask you this question – Do you own a notebook or journal?   I hope the answer is Yes.  Now I am going to ask you to write down one word at the beginning of this journal stating how you are feeling in this exact moment.   If you would like to share it with me that is great.  Please write to me. I always love sharing and feedback.

Now that you have written down a word, study it and tap into how it makes you feel, then write down a statement or phrase connected to that word.    If you can follow these simple steps then you are on your way to journaling effectively, allowing the healing journey to begin.

I hope you can try this and continue to write as it is healing to the soul.

Remember  “Embrace The Journey”

God Bless

Lisa Zarcone

Author - Child & Mental Health Advocate - Public Speaker - Social Media Influencer - Blogger

CASA Advocate - Court Appointed Special Advocate in the Court System for Youth