Tag Archives: journal-writing questions

Q&A: “What Questions Do You Have About Journaling?”

Every other week, I post a special episode of JournalTalk devoted to a specific question that I’ve received from fans, followers or friends about some aspect of journal-writing.

I enjoy sharing my perspective, and giving examples from the 30+ years that I’ve been keeping a journal. But even more, I love the conversation with others. That’s why I usually invite a co-host with me to answer these questions together. The synergy and stimulation offer more valuable jewels and gems than I could give you by myself.

Your turn to answer: Do you have any questions about an effective journal-writing practice? Are there obstacles you’ve bumped against? Do you have a special goal you’d like journaling to help you with? Post your responses in the comments section at the bottom of this webpage, or join the fans, followers and friends in the JournalTalk community, to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280. When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #38, February 2, 2016)

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Q&A: “Can Journaling Help Me Be Better Friends (with Myself)?”

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Susan Borkin joins me once again, to share a therapist’s viewpoint on the journal-writing benefit of improved self-esteem, and walk us through a few tips from her book, The Healing Power of Writing.

Maybe it’s a generational thing, but I don’t seem to hear about the importance of a positive self-image anymore. When I was growing up in the late 70’s and 80’s, all the top motivational speakers spent their time convincing teenagers that the key to any worthwhile accomplishment was a firm, inner belief in themselves. Today, the concept is not quite lost, but it certainly has its share of competing messages.

Susan and I describe some specific writing exercises that can “train your brain” to appreciate your strengths and forgive your weaknesses.

Your turn to answer: Have you found that journaling helps strengthen your friendship with yourself? When you use your journal-writing to “look in the mirror,” do you see someone valuable and lovable looking back? Post your responses in the comments section at the bottom of this webpage, or join the fans, followers and friends in the JournalTalk community, to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

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Q&A: “Does it Help to Shout into My Journal?”

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Anonymous callers are so much fun, and ask such close, personal questions. This one asks, “Can a journal help someone with anger management issues?” I’ve got some thoughts of my own on this, but I’ve invited back back Susan Borkin, to include a therapist’s viewpoint. Her book, The Healing Power of Writing,is a great resource for questions like this.

I’m not sure whether people actually still recommend using punching bags (or pillows) to release feelings of anger or frustration. But in my experience, I’ve found writing to be a more effective first step for emotional release. Giving myself permission to “say” everything I need to get off my chest in a private place also helps me to focus on which of my thoughts are worth further processing, and which deflate and wither after they lose their power.

Your turn to answer: Have you ever turned to your journal after losing your temper? Is writing an effective way to release or process feelings of anger? How can your journal help you move past upsets, and move into effective thinking and action? Post your responses in the comments section at the bottom of this webpage, or join the fans, followers and friends in the JournalTalk community, to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

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Journaling When Words Are Not Enough

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Several episodes ago, I interviewed Susan Borkin, and we just “clicked”. I’ve enjoyed having her come back to share answers to those of your journaling questions that she has written about in her book, The Healing Power of Writing.

In this episode, a JournalTalk listener shares her immense grief over her mom’s absence for the past 4+ years, and asks “is this something that journal-writing can help with, or do I just need a prescription?”

Such kinds of inner suffering are the reasons most people turn to journal-writing in the first place. Susan shares a few writing exercises that can help to bridge the gap between you and a lost loved one.

Your turn to answer: Has writing ever soothed you through a grieving period? How do you use journaling to connect with loved ones no longer living? What do you write about when words don’t seem sufficient? Post your responses in the comments section at the bottom of this webpage, or join the fans, followers and friends in the JournalTalk community, to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

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Q&A: “Which Color of Ink Will Take Away My Blues?”

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A quick Google search on the term “journaling” will offer at least one measure of social proof that there’s healing power in writing. But can journal-writing really help with long-lasting sadness? Can it cure, or at least relieve depression?

Susan Borkin, author, licensed psychotherapist, and pioneer in the field of journal therapy, joins me in answering this second in a series of mental-health-and-journaling questions. Susan shares examples from her most recent book, The Healing Power of Writing.

Everyone feels blue from time to time, and that’s natural. The tips discussed in this episode can help with occasional sadness or chronic. Writing might not replace a prescription medication for every person, but for those who are healthy enough to take charge of their pen or keyboard, it certainly can make a pointed difference.

Your turn to answer: Do you use journaling to help soothe any sadness, anxiety, grief, or depression? Do you think doctors should prescribe the use of therapy journals? Has writing ever proven to speed up your recovery time? Post your responses in the comments section at the bottom of this webpage, or join the fans, followers and friends in the JournalTalk community, to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

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Q&A: “How Can Journaling Calm My Anxiety?”

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It seems that the questions I’m receiving from listeners about journal-writing are becoming more numerous, more interesting, and more specific as this program continues. I’ve been saving a select handful having to do with psychological conditions for a co-host like Susan Borkin, a psychotherapist who shares my belief in the therapeutic value of journaling.

Here is the first in that series: Patty asks, “How can journaling help with my anxiety?” Many people who suffer with irrational fears and worries will report that writing about those feelings only seems to intensify them. If you are among them, you’ll be pleased to hear Susan has several suggestions that make a huge difference. Susan and I walk through a straight-forward example of anxiety in the workplace, using her A-B-C-D-E technique based on cognitive therapy. For more examples and tips on this subject, you’ll want to check out Susan’s book, The Healing Power of Writing.

Your turn to answer: Have you been frustrated, writing in circles in your journal, instead of finding relief? What tips do you have for addressing the issue and leaving yourself feeling empowered? Post your responses in the comments section at the bottom of this webpage, or join the fans, followers and friends in the JournalTalk community, to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

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Q&A: “What’s the Difference Between Self-Analyzing and Self-Awareness?”

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Tom asks, “Is there ever a time I would write in my journal when I’m not analyzing something?” To many, keeping a journal is a great tool and practice for problem-solving, so it might be natural to think that’s the only time to visit the blank page.

Many people have also used journaling as a practice in meditation or mindfulness, to enhance creativity, unlock the subconscious, or provide a whole array of benefits that weren’t prompted by a specific puzzle to solve.

Janet Wiszowaty of the Worldly Connektions radio show joins me in sharing many of the techniques and styles of journal-writing that help open or deepen self-awareness, even when there’s no precipitating problem. From letter-writing, Morning Pages, or stream-of-consciousness, to exploring feelings and needs, there are dozens of examples of how journaling can be more about noticing than analyzing.

Your turn to answer: How do you use writing to practice mindfulness? How do you describe the difference between self-analyzing and self-awareness? Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section, or come join the Friends of JournalTalk Facebook community to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

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Q&A: “What’s the Best Time of Day for Journal-Writing?”

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During a NINETY-DAY journal-writing challenge this winter, where I met a new friend “Wizzy” (Janet Wiszowaty), I was asked “the time of day” question again, so I thought I’d make a short episode about it.

What’s the best time of day to make your journal entries?

Early Morning is ideal for writing about your hopes or desires for the day. It could be the perfect quiet time to listen for inner guidance. The mind is waking and receptive to visualizing an ideal day. This is when I usually make my “ta-da!” list (the 3 highest-priority tasks I promise to get done that day). It’s also the best time for recording dreams. Many consider mornings the most critical time for installing successful habits. (Sorry I goofed on some details about the Miracle Morning! This was recorded before I interviewed Hal Elrod!)

Midday is typically when our faculties of reason are at a peak, and our minds are clearest. This might be a great time to write through a puzzling situation you’d like to resolve, brainstorming some options for an important decision, or making detailed plans for a project. This is sometimes my most productive journaling time.

Afternoons can be perfect for journaling as a meditation or mindfulness; to dialogue with the body, or your inner committee; or to reflect on what’s been accomplished and what can be left for tomorrow.

In the Evening, I like to reflect on the best part(s) of my day, express gratitude, or summarize some of the day’s events. It’s also a great time to vent any lingering frustration so I can get better rest at night. And sometimes before bed, I will write out a wish, a fantasy, or a question that I’d like to learn more about, often in preparation for a visit from my Dream Faerie!

Janet and I agreed — the “best” time to write is whatever time you WILL write! People who work a swing shift, or keep erratic schedules may find the above suggestions completely backward. The important thing is to make (any!) time for yourself, and experiment with different timings, until you find what works for you.

Check out Family Connekt, Wizzy’s website featuring her workshops, speaking engagements, coaching, etc. Doesn’t she seem like a really fun (and really smart!) person to work with?

Your turn to answer: What’s your favorite time to write, and why? Do you find your best writing time changes with seasons, or depends on family members’ schedules? Have you learned any strategies for keeping a consistent time for yourself? Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

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Q&A: “What is a Journaling Challenge?”

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It seems that everywhere you turn, someone is offering yet another challenge. Doesn’t life bring us enough challenges without having to invent more? Today’s journaling question was asked innocently by someone who wanted to understand “What is a journal-writing challenge?”

My friend Jayde Gilmore of Wings Life Coaching returns to the co-host microphone to help me deconstruct the idea of pushing yourself to new levels of passion, clarity and purpose. We mentioned several resources, including:

The (free) 5-day Journaling Through Transition challenge. Develop your intuition and internal guidance system during times of stress and change. An audio workbook and five sample prompts guide you to consider your present milestones and transitions. Optionally, you may extend this to a 30-day challenge.
The (free) 30-day Digital Journaling Challenge. Discover for yourself whether tapping your thoughts is as effective as writing longhand. Get tips on using electronic journal apps and a variety of prompts for 30 days. This research paper co-authored by Nathan Ohren and Kathleen Adams (founder and CEO of The Center for Journal Therapy) outlines some amazing insights captured by the first 1500 participants of the Challenge.
The Greater Good in Action challenges. Science-based practices you can adopt for a meaningful life. This site includes doable steps to increase awe, compassion, kindness, empathy, and many other life-enriching traits.

Your turn to answer: What are the ways you’ve challenged yourself with writing? What have you learned from your own private writing practice? Do you find ways to stretch yourself with writing, or do you simply write when the mood strikes? Post your responses in the comments section at the bottom of this webpage, or join the fans, followers and friends in the JournalTalk community, to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

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Q&A: “(How) Do You Ask People to Share Their Journal Writing?”

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Leslie, a friend and co-facilitator of journaling workshops in Thousand Oaks, California asks, “When leading a journal workshop, should you read your own private journal as a way to invite others to share their own writing?”

A journal-writing workshop is an ideal place to discuss the context and content of your own journal. On one hand, it’s engaging for the participants when you are vulnerable yourself; it provides a real-life example; and it contributes to creating a safe space for connection through sharing. On the other hand, “oversharing” could trigger unexpected or undesired reactions from the students, derailing the intention of the course.

Janet “Wizzy” Wiszowaty of Family Connekt is my co-host this episode. We share our tips, resources and personal examples about encouraging people to share, without letting people’s personal issues overshadow the content of the course.

Your turn to answer: Are you a learning to become a journaling facilitator? Do you read your own journals to people in your workshops? If you are an experienced facilitator, what are some other ways that you encourage participants to share their writing, without risking the course turning into a “therapy circle”? Please post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

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Q&A: “What Are Some Examples of Transformation Through Journal-Writing?”

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The recent podcast on Journaling for Transformation became quickly popular, and some listeners have asked for more specific examples.

Kim Ades of Frame of Mind Coaching is my guest co-host, and she surprises me (completely unscripted and unplanned, I promise!) with a testimonial from a JournalTalk listener, who took Kim’s journal coaching program!

If there’s any area of your life where you’re seeking to create more freedom, power, and ease, then you are welcome to test-drive the Frame of Mind Journal-Coaching program for free. From career concerns to relationship woes, journaling can reveal brand new avenues for transformation. Start with this assessment, which will automatically begin your private journal account, and invite a trained FOM coach to call you back for next steps.

Fuel the dialogue: What’s your best story of personal transformation through journaling? Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280 (only normal toll charges may apply). If your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #22, February 10, 2015)

Credits:
Audio Editing: Netrix Marketing
Music: Pond5.com
Voiceover: Thomas Gerrard

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Q&A: “How Do I Become a Journaling Coach?”

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Sandra asks, “How does someone become a journaling coach?” And the answers are many! Do you have a passion for sharing the benefits of journal-writing with others?

Have you experienced some of the tremendous benefits in keeping a personal writing practice, and now you feel the urge to help others obtain those same benefits?

In this episode, Heather Severson helps me list of some of the numerous ways to go about becoming a “Journal Coach”. And with a dose of giddy playfulness, I also remind everyone, in the words of Dr. Frankenfurter, “Don’t dream it; Just be it!”

There are several options discussed in this audio, so don’t feel there is just “one right answer” here. But there are some pragmatic and trusted roads you can take that will land you into being a confident and effective coach. Among my most highly recommended, especially for “non-therapists” is this:

Become a life coach who uses journal-writing as the primary tool to help clients get unstuck, and transform old patterns that no longer serve them. Take this assessment to see if Frame of Mind Coaching is a beneficial path for you! I am an affiliate of the Frame of Mind Coaching program because I absolutely love it, and strongly recommend it.

Fuel the dialogue: Are you looking to become a certified journal instructor or life coach? Post your response at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

You may send your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280 (only normal toll charges may apply). If your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #20, January 13, 2015)

Credits:
Audio Editing: Netrix Marketing
Music: Pond5.com
Voiceover: Thomas Gerrard

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Write4Life

Journaling for Passion, Clarity & Purpose!

Tag Archives: journal-writing questions

Q&A: “What Questions Do You Have About Journaling?”

Q&A: “Can Journaling Help Me Be Better Friends (with Myself)?”

Q&A: “Does it Help to Shout into My Journal?”

Journaling When Words Are Not Enough

Q&A: “Which Color of Ink Will Take Away My Blues?”

Q&A: “How Can Journaling Calm My Anxiety?”

Q&A: “What’s the Difference Between Self-Analyzing and Self-Awareness?”

Q&A: “What’s the Best Time of Day for Journal-Writing?”

Q&A: “What is a Journaling Challenge?”

Q&A: “(How) Do You Ask People to Share Their Journal Writing?”

Q&A: “What Are Some Examples of Transformation Through Journal-Writing?”

Q&A: “How Do I Become a Journaling Coach?”