does anyone here journal to get through rough spots in life?

Question

My therapist said that I should start journaling, I bought a journal, but don't know how to start. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I journal all the time .... when you write.. you can start or write about anything... It all depends on what mood I am in... sometime I start by writing a pray.

"Lord today I struggle for strength and understanding... I humbly seek your guidance and word!" Then I start to write.

Other times I have started out like..................... You know it never seems to fail ______________________ dada dada dada... and just start to write.

There is no wrong or right way to express yourself... I have been writing in my journal for 2 yrs now... I try to write atleast everyday.. .well I use to.. now that I am not really troubled anymore... my entries have slowed down. From time to time though I still go in and say thanks for what is going on! and just vent for a while.

It is refreshing and comforting when I go back and reread what i have written, sometimes hard and discouraging, my words and where I have been and I were I am now have helped me... to decipher and realize somethings about myself.

It is a good tool for personal reflections.. and also some good laughs

Answer 2

Journaling is therapeutic. I have been doing it for two decades and not only during the rough spots in life. I re-read and reviewed what I wrote every now and then. Here are some things that I noticed.

1. I accomplish 60% of the goals that I wrote. Yes, I write my goals in my journal each time I set my mind to do some things.

2. I laugh at some of my thoughts and expressions when I was down and heart broken.

3. I realize that the disappointments and frustrations passed and the pains have disappeared.

4. Most of my worries and concerns did not happen.

5. I learn to predict outcomes and also people's behaviors. If you write down your observations on people and events, you see a certain pattern.

6. I get to know myself better, what triggers me to do or stop certain actions.

Answer 3

I have journaled every day for the past 15 years or so. It's a really great way to get rid of those worries that are in your head, but it's also a great way to keep memories.

I write mine as if I'm writing to a friend, telling all about a weird dream I had, or a major event or fears that I have.

Today, mine started out like this, "Okay, so you won't believe the dream I had last night! ..." And as the day goes on, I just kinda jot down what's going on.

Answer 4

OMG, i LOVE writing. my first counseling session that is what was suggested. i just write whatever's on my mind. sometimes i've got nothing but other days i write pages and pages. i make a point to write everyday. one of my main issues is not being aware of how i'm feeling, i supress a lot, so i tap into what's really going on when i write. recently my therapist suggested trying poetry. i am now addicted to this as well. i don't aim for the rhyming, i just write thoughts down on one word, for example - take ANGER and write down whatever comes to mind about the word, whatever you feel. it helps. so that's how i started w/"poetry" and now i just write about random things and actually title them instead of going off particular words, but that's still fun too. my therapist gave me a "Feelings" sheet so i've done writings on a lot of those words.

i hope you get into it. i'm 23 and w/journaling everyday and my counseling i've had a lot of "lightbulb" moments when i write b/c my hand gets a head of my hand. best of luck.

Answer 5

just say what s on your mind in your journal and find a good hiding spot if needed. I do when I can remember.

Answer 6

I write in one all the time. I think it's really therapeutic. Write like you are writing to someone, or to yourself in the future. What would you want to remember about yourself that you might not remember down the line? What are some feelings you can only tell to yourself and not to anyone else? Go from there. Good luck.

Answer 7

Write what ever comes to mind. Write down your feelings, your thoughts, ideas. Write why you have nothing to write. Write about your situation on why you have to atart journaling.

Answer 8

I have an msword journal...and when something/someone bugs me I write it down...whether its the anoying neighbor in the apartment below us, or the weather making my day feel horrible...just write your thoughts

Answer 9

Just write down what you're feeling and thinking about today. You can even begin with "My therapist said this would help me." Stick with it, be honest, and don't try to impress anyone, not even yourself.

Answer 10

Yeah, a guy is compelled into becomeing a paintings horse to keep the nutrients on the table, and what ever he needs and all his passions are shelved untill he retires.. this is untill grand childrens come alongside..