Journaling: How to Heal and Gain Self-Knowledge through the Practice of Journaling

I was never one to journal when I was young, so starting as an adult has been deeply enriching. Creative writing and journaling have opened portals within me, giving younger parts of me—once unheard—the voice they never had.

I often write creatively from prompts and use the exercises in The Way of the Journal Workbook by Kathleen Adams when I am looking to heal. Additionally, I journal with God, listening to that small, still voice within, asking questions, receiving insights, and deepening the relationship. Let’s explore more about these different ways: 

Journaling For Healing 

David Read Johnson, Ph.D. Director of the Institutes for the Arts in Psychotherapy, NY, says,

“Like meditation and quiet reflection, journaling appreciates the value of processing our feelings and thoughts, allowing them to flow out of us, and revealing the wisdom, memory, and suffering they contain. Writing is steeped in paradox: we write simultaneously for ourselves and for others; we write as authors so we can read as audience; we write to empty our minds of troubling thoughts and also to record them for posterity.”

Some of us have experienced trauma and believed we were to blame for certain events and incidents. Events such as abuse, bullying, racism, neglect, etc. These incidents may never have been processed. The little child within was never seen or heard for the pain and suffering they went through. Journaling for healing is a way to support those parts and to let them have their voice. You can then choose whether to share your writing or not. 

Working through some of the exercises in The Way of the Journal Workbook by Kathleen Adams, I have discovered why I might have a part of me that behaves the way it does, resists things, or is fearful about something. Gaining more self-awareness is indispensable, positive, and productive.

Once you know why you do the things you do and give that part of you a voice, you can make more mindful choices.  Kathleen’s website is below if you want to explore her work.

https://journaltherapy.com/kathleen-adams/

William Donnelly offers group classes and privately coaches writers of books, articles, etc. He shares prompts in his newsletters.

https://www.williammdonnelly.com/ 

Prompts - Journaling & Creative Writing

This practice has been inspirational in writing my books, and I am often amazed at what bubbles up from the creative subconscious. When you put the pen to the page and express yourself—it is healing.

Author and writing teacher Laura Davis says, “A good writing prompt should be evocative and make you think of something new; it should awaken a perspective you hadn't considered before; make you remember something you hadn't thought about in, say, a month, a year, or fifty years.

Something to remember while journaling: never edit; just let the pen flow. Use the axiom, “show, don’t tell"; this gets us out of our heads and into experience and feelings. We can express how something affects us viscerally and intellectually—a powerful path to creativity and self-knowledge.

Another great resource is Judy Reeve's book, "A Writer's Book of Days." It is filled with information for writers and prompts for daily writing. You don't have to be a writer to get value from it.

Another recommendation is the Writer's Circle Program run by Sandra Marinella. I am grateful to have learned much from this group. Her book "The Story You Need to Tell" is about the power of your story.

Here are other resources for journaling and creative writing that I have found helpful. I know there are many more, but this is a great start.

https://iajw.org/

https://storyyoutell.com/about-sandra/

https://www.judyreeveswriter.com/

Journaling with your Higher Power

When you spend quiet, alone time listening to that small, still voice inside (your inner wisdom), I call it God (you might prefer to say, Source, Creator, The Light, etc.). Hearing from God keeps me grounded, reminds me of who I am, and gives me insights and clarity.

I started journaling and listening to this higher perspective after reading I Was Busy, Now I’m Not by Joseph Peck, MD, the Time Doctor. It has been a powerful practice. He has a lot to say in the book because he is a business coach; however, in a nutshell, the more time you spend slowing down, meditating, reflecting, listening to God, and, in this case, journaling about what you hear, the more fruitful your work will be. You will achieve more by being focused and purposeful.

Gratitude

When journaling with God, I start by writing down all I am grateful for, which puts me in a heart space, then ask questions and have a back-and-forth conversation through journaling. Being in your heart helps you get out of your head and your limiting mindset, so you can hear from a higher perspective.

I’m often surprised by the insights I receive. I gain confidence knowing I am loved, connected, and encouraged. My Journaling for Healing and writing with prompts frequently lead to Journaling with God, as I seek more insight from this higher perspective. They sometimes flow together.

Hal Elrod, in his book Miracle Mornings, recommends starting a 10-minute daily journaling practice (he calls it scribing). If journaling feels daunting, you can start small with 10 minutes and grow from there if you choose. I hope you will enjoy the process!

If you feel called to explore this work more deeply, journaling combined with EFT and guided support can be powerful. You’re welcome to reach out to learn more about working with me.

Click the link at the bottom of the page to book a complimentary 20-minute consultation. ❤️ ✍️

Love,