Why Do We Journal?

The word “journal” comes from the French word “journee, meaning from sunrise to sunset.



Transpsychological is a term used to describe the therapeutic effects of self-discovery through active awareness in journaling.



Journaling is a coping technique; expression of thoughts, feelings, memories, and ideas in written form, either prose or poetry, to increase self awareness leading to wholeness in ones journey throughout life.



Getting Started:

1. Buy a nice notebook.

2. Find a private or quiet place.

3. Sometimes making a list of things going through your head is a great way to start.

4. Consider playing some relaxing background music.

5. Set aside a committed time each day, afternoon or night.



It is suggested to start off with writing in your personal journal (for your eyes only) for 15 minutes each day in the form of freelance writing. Write down whatever comes into your mind.



Expressive writing helps us cope with stress, increases self awareness, decreases elevated blood pressure, benefits health aspects for people suffering with fibromyalsia and helps heal the grieving process.



Affectionate writing decreases cholesterol levels.



Poetry journaling helps make order out of chaos.



Journaling helps with self awareness on issues that need attention.



Writing down personal thoughts gives one the permission to let them go, no longer thinking about them with the intensity that may have cluttered the mind and drained energy.



Short term benefits from journaling include releasing pent-up feelings of anger and -anxiety.



Long term benefits from journaling comes from a review of journal entries which serves to increase awareness of trends and patterns in your thoughts and behaviors.



All the material above has been taken out of the book “Managing Stress - Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being” Sixth Edition by Brian Luke Seaward (Chapter 10 – Journal Writing)
Thanks for sahring Jana

For information about Celebrate Recovery contact Rodney at 479-659-3679 or roholmstrom@fellowshipnwa.org

Comments

  1. Terri :o)January 9, 2011 at 9:51 AM

    I love it when I come across one of my old CR Journals or read my blog. It reminds me of where I was and how far God has brought me.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJanuary 19, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    I've just started recovery. I'm just now 30 days sober (1-16-11).

    The best gift I got for Christmas was a good journal and a nice pen. Not the most extravagant gift, but definitely the most thoughtful and useful I've ever received.

    I can't remember a Christmas so good as this one. The only good ones I can remember were before I was an addict and high during the holidays, when I was a young kid.

    I love CR and I love sobriety.

    ReplyDelete
  3. CR @ FellowshipJanuary 19, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    So proud of you friend. 30 days is incredible!!!! Keep running one day, one moment at a time. Bless you friend.
    Rodney

    ReplyDelete
  4. LeeJanuary 20, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    Thanks Rodney!

    I'm really hoping that we can have CR tomorrow... but with this weather I don't know.

    I got my 1 day chip last Friday, but as I said previously; I was 30 days on Sunday the 16th. I was really excited to get my 30 day chip.
    I can't wait to get my 30 day, 90 day, 1 year, 5 year, etc, etc!

    -Lee

    ReplyDelete

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