We all know that working through painful experiences can be a tall order. Trying to resolve raw emotions and integrate life experiences takes time, energy, and considerable introspection. Journal writing can help facilitate and apply meaning to your experiences. It can also record ideas, memories, and the chronology of your life, all of which can be resources to expand personal growth and reflection. Journal writing allows you to let go of the problems that are preventing you from moving forward.
One of the best parts of journal writing is that the process is entirely your own. You are free to write whatever you want, free of judgment. You can throw the pages away or save them for reference later — there are benefits to both. Writing your dilemma out and then destroying it can leave you feeling as though your problem has been acknowledged and subsequently cast away, no longer encumbering you. Saving your journal entries offers a way to reflect on your personal growth, to see where you were during a hard time and how far you have come. Either way, draw strength and inspiration from it, and let your worries fade away.
Not sure where to begin? Start by writing down where you are in your life. What circumstances do you find yourself in? Is that where you want to be? Detail your goals and the steps you want to take to reach them.
If letting go means forgiving someone, try writing from their point of view. It may foster sympathy for the person you are trying to forgive and the indiscretion you are trying to let go. You can write a letter to that person without ever sending it.
Transcribing the flurry of feelings that clutter your brain can even have meditative results, clearing your mind of disorderly ruminations. Create a simple “to do” list in order to gain respite from the muddle.
Write down what is it you are letting go of. Explicitly state the changes you will endure, for better or worse. Even with positive change, acknowledge exactly what is shifting. For example, if you choose to journal through a difficult breakup, you may perceive that what is being lost is a relationship. At least in that moment. Later reflection may reveal that the larger loss, or change rather, was the set of qualities that you seek in a partner.
Search out some journal prompts online. Asking yourself a question that you wouldn’t have thought to ask before can yield some surprising and illuminating answers.
You can also focus on writing through a transition in your life, no matter how big or small. Write about your upcoming wedding, or write about the arrival of a new pet. You will be able to integrate the changes on a deeper, more honest level, at your own pace. No one will accuse you of dwelling on anything for “too long”, nor will they project how they think you should feel.
Have a go at keeping a “Positive Thinking” journal. Positive thinking means that you anticipate good results and best-case scenarios. Allow these to become self-fulfilling prophecies.
Not ready to start writing? Or do you simply want a change from your go-to journal style? Journals can take different forms. Consider keeping an art journal. Fill it with drawings, collages, or abstract paintings. If you want to incorporate writing, add captions, titles, or descriptions of what inspired you to create each piece.
No matter what style you choose, the process of journal writing is cathartic. Within the safety of the margins, letting go will become inherent to the practice. Plus, you’ll be surprised to discover new elements to your ever-changing and brilliantly resilient self along the way.
Author Bio: Susanne Loxton is a personal development enthusiast who combines her zeal for positive thinking with a passion for writing. On a daily basis, Susanne works for Aubiz, a compendium of knowledge about companies in her native Australia..
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