This is not the next journaling guide. Through my own personal journey of using journaling to cope with difficult emotions, I’ve come to realize that its not just a tool for writing down your thought, but a powerful way to navigate life’s challenges and find sense of purpose and clarity. And I hope that my experience and hurdles about it can inspire others who may be struggling to start journaling or going trough similar emotion.
Why I started.
In 2018, when my mother was first diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, I was filled with fear and uncertainty about what the future held. It was a difficult time, and I didn't know how to handle my emotions. One day, I stumbled upon the idea of journaling in a book I was reading and decided to give it a try.
At first, it was difficult to get started. In fact, when I was first introduced to journaling, I hesitated to give it a try. In school, I was often told that my writing skills were subpar, so I associated writing with negative feelings. However, after my mother's cancer diagnosis, I knew I needed an outlet to help me navigate through my emotions. I started, even though I was still insecure about my writing abilities. I wasn't sure what to write or how to express the jumbled mess of emotions I was feeling. But as I continued to write, I found that the act of putting pen to paper helped me to navigate through the challenges of caring for my mother and coping with my own fears and anxieties.
I turned to journaling.
Unfortunately, my mother eventually passed away in 2020, and the pain of losing her was overwhelming. I felt like I was drowning in a sea of grief, and it was difficult to find a way to move forward without her. But even in the depths of my pain, I turned to journaling. Writing became my lifeline during this time, helping me to process my emotions and find a way to make sense of the loss.
However, despite the comfort that journaling provided, I still felt like nobody truly understood what I was going through. Friends and family were like they couldn't comprehend the depth of my pain. I felt isolated and alone in my grief, and it was difficult to find a way to move forward.
I felt less alone.
Through journaling, I was able to connect with my emotions in a way that helped me to feel less alone. Writing about the memories I had of my mother, and the experiences we shared, helped me to process my grief and to find a sense of peace in her passing. Journaling also gave me a way to express my anger, frustration, and sadness without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
Moved forward. With a new purpose. Forever grateful.
In the end, journaling helped me to find a sense of purpose and clarity in my life after my mother's death. It allowed me to process my emotions in a healthy way and to begin to move forward with my life. And while the pain of losing my mother will never fully go away, journaling has given me a way to cope with the difficult emotions that come with grief, and for that, I will always be grateful.
Status Quo.
Journaling has become a daily practice for me now. It's something I look forward to every morning. It's a time for me to check-in with myself, reflect on the day before, and set intentions for the day ahead. It's a way to prioritize my mental health and wellbeing.
I know that everyone's journey is different, and journaling might not work for everyone. But, for me, it has been a powerful tool. It has given me a way to navigate through life's challenges and find my way back to center when things get overwhelming. If you're feeling lost or unsure about where to turn, I encourage you to give journaling a try. You might just find that it's the missing piece you've been searching for.
