The most painful pains are those that are unseen and do not bleed. Sometimes we share to our friends and family; oftentimes, though, we keep our aches to ourselves for fear that those whom we tell our stories to may not understand us, make fun of us, or relay them to others. What better companion and confidante we have in a journal which guides us towards the paths to healing, thriving, and loving ourselves as only we can. Here then are four simple steps on how we can tame our tormentors within, disguised as stress, anxiety, and depression:
H – Have an ALONE TIME with yourself. In your Alone Time, you distance from the noise of others so that you will be able to hear yourself well. You may schedule your Alone Time on a weekend when you are free, and at home or in a safe and quiet place without distractions. Once you have decided to have this free time to yourself, religiously follow your schedule and ready your journal and pen for your journaling.
E – Enjoy the company of the most amazing and lovable person in the world: YOU. Do this by:
- stilling and connecting with yourself;
- feeding yourself with gratitude, happiness, kindness, and love;
- gathering and expressing your thoughts; and
- journaling your discoveries about yourself.
A – Allow the journal prompts to do their job; that is, to awaken your thoughts and feelings, lying dormant in your mind and heart, waiting to be set free. Write freely, with no limits and no conditions. Do not worry about spelling, your language, grammar, and style. What matters is you, finally expressing yourself and giving this gift to yourself.
L – Listen to yourself; you may not have heard from you for a long time. Through the journal prompts, you:
- identify and acknowledge your hurts;
- meet yourself where you are;
- revisit your values and beliefs;
- remember the important people in your life;
- plan on mastering yourself, where your power is; and
- learn to love yourself more.
Writing is medicine.
It is an appropriate antidote to injury.
It is an appropriate companion for any difficult change.
(Julia Cameron)
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