237 Journals: Journaling Guides And Soothes Me

By Joan Leof

Since my first poem magically poured out of me at age eight, writing has been a constant companion, and is now my oldest friend. I started writing poems seriously as an adolescent. In my 30s I couldn’t stop writing them. Journaling has guided and soothed me since my 20s, with 237 journals now.

Along the way, I developed a mission to help others experience the gifts of self- expression through both therapeutic and creative writing. That propelled me to launch a business called Write to Heal where I facilitate journal workshops for clients from age nine to 90. I also coach those who would like to make the leap to poetry, short stories, essay, and memoirs.

My own published creative writing began with personal essays in my 40s, many of which were born from the raw material of my journals. In 2011, I published a memoir, Fatal If Swallowed: Reclaiming Creativity and Hope Along the Uncharted Path.

Wishing to combine my life work of helping others with self-expression along with my own creative writing, I have just published a book called Matryoshka: Uncovering Your Many Selves Through Writing.

The Russian Matryoshka doll opens in half, right in the middle of the abdomen. Inside her is another doll that opens in half. Inside that one, another. Many dolls open in half until there are no more. The innermost remains whole.

I chose that symbol because my father was born in Russia and I have been exploring my many selves through writing since childhood. “Matryoshka” seemed a natural to reflect my heritage and my legacy.

Below is a sampling of questions from the essays.

1. Family secret that involves or involved you.
2. Object in your home that symbolizes and important life lesson for you.
3. Experience skinny dipping.
4. A book that has changed your life.
5. Experience of “oneness” you have had.
6. Unconventional activities you have participated in, or would like to participate in.
7. Way(s) you feel you are living two lives.
8. A shocking letter you have received in the mail.
9. A time when you took the road less traveled.
10. Your ideal tree house. Where? What does it look like? What do you do there?

And here is a poem from the book that I wrote.

dance in lace

the treetops

wrapped the morning sky

in dark green lace

 when the lace took pause

i snipped

a yard or so

swirled it around

my bare swaying body

ready

to join their dance

This collection of my personal essays, that had already been published elsewhere, and

questions for reflection or writing, can help you uncover your many selves. 

 ~~~

Early Endorsements from Other Writers:

“Joan Leof’s essays are a delight. She has a unique voice and always comes at things from an unexpected angle. Her range of life experience, insights and fearlessness about revealing herself make for an engaging and thought-provoking read.”

–Roz Warren, author of Our Bodies, Our Shelves: Library

Humor, www.rosalindwarren.com

 A distinguishing characteristic of Joan Leof’s personal essays is their candor. Here is an author not hesitant to share the most intimate facets of her life, but she does so not to shock, not to entertain, but to embolden others by example to use writing for self-discovery and healing.”

–Tom Davis, writer and photographer; author of Double Exposure: A Veteran Returns to Vietnam, www.cyberkenblog.com