The Healing Powers of Journaling By: Christin Snyder

For the past several years, I have found joy working as a
motivational writer and speaker. One of my greatest passions has
been the gift of sharing my deep love and respect for the written
word. Words are powerful. They provoke thought, stimulate
creativity, and most importantly, they hold within them the power to
heal. Most people do not realize the incredible life-changing
potential writing has.

Journaling is a practical tool that anyone can use to enhance
personal well-being. It knows no limitations and it is available to
anyone willing to make a commitment to themselves. It only requires
minimal investments of time and money, and provides fast results.
From the practical to the artistic, there are many varieties of
journaling styles, all providing healing benefits.

Through this series of articles, I will explore how journaling heals,
journaling styles, and the keys to successful journaling.

How Journaling Heals:

Journaling helps clear the mind

Journaling is an excellent method of clearing mind-clutter and
managing thought patterns. The "untamed" mind tends to wander about
aimlessly. At any given moment, we have a multitude of thoughts and
internal conversations. Our random thoughts can turn into worries,
which turn into stress, which can then manifest as conditions like
depression or illness. The act of addressing our thoughts and
acknowledging our inner voice allows us to clearly express our
feelings, motivations, and desires. When we do this, we gain the
insight needed to effectively manage them. What many fail to
realize, is that even seemingly random thoughts, hold powerful
energy. All energy seeks an outlet to express itself, therefore what
we think and believe manifests.

Spend some time today consciously paying attention to where your
thoughts go. Notice the ratio of positive to negative. When
engaging in self-talk, what does the inner voice express? Is it
primarily negative self-talk, worry, or other energy zapping
emotions? If so, journaling is a positive first step that can be
immediately taken to help understand and then redirect these sneaky
self-sabotagers.

Journaling Sparks Creativity

It is very important, particularly for those of us in creative
fields, to always have an outlet that enhances our creativity by
challenging us to think in new ways. Journaling provides that,
because it causes us to purposefully express our thoughts and
emotions. Through reestablishing a conscious connection to our
thoughts, emotions, and experiences we provide the challenge our mind
needs to keep its creative spark.

Writing prompts and exercises are a great way to wake up the inner
muse. They keep us thinking on our toes, and often become the
launching points of bigger projects.

Journaling Keeps Us Honest

When we approach journaling with an open mind and heart, and we
commit to being completely candid with ourselves, we open up to
limitless opportunity for growth and healing. Through total
honesty, we begin to peel away the layers of our psyche. The masks
we wear begin to fall away , revealing our true nature - who we are
when we aren't "the parent, the employee, the friend" and are just
ourselves. Many spiritual paths have taught the importance of
knowing yourself. The soul mate in the mirror is worthy of our
utmost integrity.

Journaling Allows Us to Express Ourselves Without Judgment

Journaling provides a forum where we can express ourselves fully and
completely. If we approach this honestly, a journal can become a
best friend and confidant. It won't give needless advice, is never
too busy to listen, and is always there for you when needed.
Acceptance is a quality we all seek , we have a deep drive to find
it. The truth is, the majority of us seek in others what we cannot
give ourselves. Journaling opens up the doors to a process of self-
acceptance, without which true healing cannot occur.


Journaling Gets Us Organized
By keeping a day planner type journal with notes, it is easier to
keep track of "to do" lists, as well as record notes each day of our
thoughts, feelings, experiences. Mixing the "practical" with the art
of journaling allows us to keep track of everything in one convenient
place. Our grocery lists and goal lists, records, and sudden
inspirations can be stored electronically in many instances, allowing
us instant access with the touch of a button. (Just don't forget to
backup ! )

Journaling Enhances Conscious Living

Writing in a journal can have similar effects to meditation, in that
it allows us to bring our attention to full and present awareness.
This state of awareness shifts our perspective, and allows us to tap
into reserves of creative energy. Many find themselves stuck in
routines where the creative spark can become lost in the shuffle of
the daily grind. When we run on "auto-pilot" we desensitize to other
stimuli. Opening up to daily journaling allows us to reflect on the
unique beauty of the present moment, and allows us to experience life
more fully.

Journaling Shows Progress At A Glance

The key to staying motivated is usually being able to see progress
being made. Journals can provide much-needed encouragement for
those working towards life-changing goals. When in the doldrums,
it's easy to flip back to the beginning to view the path of progress,
providing the momentum and motivation necessary to ensure success.
Journaling can be a great tool for the instant-gratification junkie
in all of us.

All of these are examples of the many ways that journaling can
provide the necessary tools for personal empowerment. Journaling is
a wonderful journey in self-discovery. I hope this inspires others
to take this self-healing challenge, pick up that pen or sit at the
keyboard, and make a commitment to enrich life through the healing
power of words.

In the remainder of this series, I will cover the keys to successful
journaling as well as different journaling techniques. I will show
how anyone can use journaling as a tool for transformation.
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Christin Snyder is a personal empowerment advocate and motivational
writer/speaker. Visit her website at http://www.dailypowerwords.com/
for free journaling exercises and writers resources.