With every word we heal. Journaling can help us make sense of the past and help us move forward. It has helped me face my feelings, so many of which had been buried or locked away for much of my life.
My first journal entry was made on 7th March, 2011. “Feeling drained and very sad. Today was the day I filed for divorce.”
That’s all I wrote in that first entry, the start of my healing journey. I’m grateful that I wrote those words, which now help me see both the courage in that moment, as well as the progress I’ve made.
“Life can only be understood backward, but we must be lived forward.”Philosopher Soren Kierkegaard
Over the years, my journal became my confidant, the person I could turn to to share anything with, without the fear of being judged. My journal was the place where I could write anything down.
Some days it was only a word, usually a word the described how so was feeling. Sometimes that’s all I could manage. There were some days when I didn’t write anything, because I couldn’t face it. I didn’t have the strength or the courage to acknowledge all that was happening inside of me, let alone put a label on my feelings. Other days, it was an outpouring of emotion, words spilling out onto the page faster than I could write.
Some entries make no sense at all, details hidden through the gaps. Other entries reveal my innermost thoughts and private details, expressing things that I didn’t want anyone else to hear. Things like “I wish he was dead. Life would be so much easier. If only life was easier. “
I encourage you to start a journal. It could be a simple small notebook, or an app on your phone. It doesn’t matter how you do it. Just get started. When you do, you’ll discover how writing can offer a number of benefits and help you heal.
See things from a different perspective
There is research that suggests writing about trauma can be beneficial because it helps you re-evaluate your experiences by looking at them from different perspectives and often derive meaning from past events. I can help you build both confidence and courage.
Ease emotional pressure
Studies also suggest that writing about traumatic events can help ease the emotional pressure of negative experiences.
Acknowledge your feelings
Writing can help you identify and acknowledge your feelings and this was definitely the case for me. We know that to heal we must first feel. I was so numb for so long, that I couldn’t recognise what my feelings were. It took time and practice but, writing made this so much easier, enabling me to process my thoughts and feelings.
This month in the Blossome Community, we’ll be taking time to journal, sharing some practices to help build the habit and to heal. In this episode of the Smiling Again podcast, I speak with Klaus White, Founder of The Way of the Tortoise, A Journal to Happiness. We talk about all things journalling, and the slow and steady approach to long-lasting change. Have a listen.
Make some space to write for yourself. All you require is a little time, a pen and paper and a willingness to get started, explore and see what comes out. Start journaling with us. t’s easier when we do things together. Join the Blossome Community
Kim Moore is the Founder of Blossome CIC. She lost her husband Chris to alcoholism in 2017. She faced a difficult journey while raising 2 children alone, with her family living on the opposite side of the world. Kim founded the Blossome Community and The Pathway to Peace healing journey so no one would have to feel alone while enduring the trauma of a loved one’s battle with alcoholism or addiction. She is also on a mission to end the generational cycle of alcoholism and addiction in families.
