But what do you do when you can’t seem to write about what’s bothering you? It’s often during tough times – when you most need your journal – that you have the hardest time writing. Or you do keep journaling, but you sidestep the topics that are causing you pain. Avoidance might seem like the way to protect yourself from further suffering, but it actually does the opposite. Those feelings you’re trying to ignore won’t go away unless you compassionately confront them.
The only way out is through. But the beauty of writing therapy is you don’t have to do it alone. Your journal is your supportive coach and counselor to help you each step of the way. If you’re struggling with writing about the big challenges in your life, try these small steps to make sure you keep going.
Do a little bit at a time.
There’s no rule that journaling self-therapy has to happen all in one session. It’s too much to expect that you’ll sit down and write everything you’re feeling with perfect clarity. It takes time to process big emotions and complicated situations. Give yourself space to do this at your own pace. Commit to journaling a little bit every day, even if it’s just a sentence or two. Write one thought, then one more. Over time, you’ll start to build momentum.
Put a name to it.
Learn to recognize that feeling in your gut when you don’t want to journal. Where does it come from? What does it mean? Ask yourself questions until you can name it – fear, shame, grief, anger. Write down what it is and why you think it’s holding you back from writing therapy.
Play detective.
Try to take a step back and look at your problem more objectively. If you were an outside observer, how would you describe it? What are the major issues and complications? Outline it all in simple, impartial terms. Do you see it differently from this perspective? What do you notice?
Tell your story.
If nothing else, simply put your experiences into words. Respect your feelings and recognize that what you are going through is real and valid. Make your voice heard through journaling.
Check this out: One of CreateWriteNow’s journaling power workbooks can help you in your writing therapy work. #WriteON!