Category Archives: JournalTalk

Beyond Journaling: The World Needs Your Message

A key distinction that sets journaling apart from all other forms of creative expression is privacy. In this episode, we take a step beyond. My guest, Doug Foresta, believes firmly in the benefits of private journal-writing, and yet also urges us, “the world needs our voice and our gifts.”

Producer and host of Creating Change on Empower Radio and The Coachzing Show on iTunes and Stitcher Radio, Doug has been a podcasting mentor to me and thousands of others who yearn to share their message and transform lives.

In a particularly poignant moment of our conversation, Doug asks, “Why do you suppose that we find human beings scribing their stories, as far back as the Cavemen?” Indeed, what is it about our species that craves the telling and retelling of our experiences?

Doug has developed a five-step method he calls Transformative Journaling, and in this episode, he shares one key prompt idea that he uses to get “un-stuck”. I always appreciate his perspective, and the theme of sharing our gifts with others, which he weaves through all his work in the world.

Exclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners: If you are curious about what it might take for you to start a podcast series, or if you are exploring ways to further market your brand, Doug has made a very generous offer to everyone in the JournalTalk community. If you email Doug directly and mention that you heard him on JournalTalk, he will schedule with you a free, 30-minute coaching conversation to help you identify whether podcasting could benefit you, and some steps to get started. (JournalTalk, Episode #74, May 3, 2016)

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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.

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 #43, April 12, 2016)

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Stop Drifting, Start Living

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I’ve often said on this program: Journaling is a process, not a product; a journey not the destination. This week, meet Jami McQuivey, an author, coach and speaker who is on that perpetual journey of self-discovery, constantly realizing new dreams.

Her first book, Stop Drifting, Start Living containing twenty-two lessons from her travels in China, is being updated and revised. Meanwhile, she has written another, God-Centered Sensational Sex, which is also a course she teaches onboard a cruise ship. Get your tickets right here!

An active member in her church and community, Jami shares how a journal-writing ritual has helped her to connect with her teenage son. She compares journaling to yoga and meditation, for getting clarity and courage to walk the path to which you are drawn. Sometimes that means creating a new path, instead of living up to cookie-cutter expectations.

Exclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners: Jami and her husband are going cruising to the Caribbean for some God-centered sensational sex. Anyone who books the same cruise can attend her course for free. Mention Nathan Ohren or the JournalTalk podcast and you will receive a discount of $200 per person ($400 per couple). Come learn how to create and enjoy sensational sex (the way God intended) on Norwegian luxury cruise with your sweetheart while enjoying world class entertainment, delicious food and sunny beaches. (JournalTalk, Episode #73, April 17, 2016)

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group.

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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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Uncovering Many Selves Through Writing

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As we journey through the movement of our life, what aspects of ourselves do we birth or bury, in order to make sense of, and give meaning to, our experience? This question was my guest’s inspiration for her newest book.

Nearly two years ago, I interviewed Joan Leof, after she inspired me to dig back through my old, yellowing journals to collect pieces of my coming-out story and begin crafting a memoir. (You can listen to that interview here: JournalTalk, Episode #12.)

In this week’s episode, Joan Leof returns to share her newest book, MATRYOSHKA: Uncovering Your Many Selves Through Writing. It’s a unique collection of memoir-style essays, which are interesting snapshots into different aspects of Joan’s life. But here’s the twist: each story concludes with ten thoughtful, workbook-style questions to prompt the reader in reflection upon his/her own life snapshots. I enjoyed using this book for its rich journaling prompts, but it could also be a perfect centerpiece for discussion groups or book-reading clubs.

In our conversation, Joan shares the steps along her path to publishing, and a number of valuable tips for those who are exploring the many layers of “self” in their writing. For another great journaling prompt about the many selves and the “inner committee”, you might enjoy revisiting Episode #41.

Exclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners: For a limited time, Nathan is offering JournalTalk listeners a full week of customized journal-writing exercises, tailored for their unique concern or situation. Get details here. (JournalTalk, Episode #72, April 5, 2016)

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group.

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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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Pioneering the Next 30 Years of Journal Therapy

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Speaking with Kay Adams is always a treat, and offers the proverbial smorgasbord of lively topics under the umbrella of journal-writing for health and happiness!

Kay is author to numerous books on journaling, in addition to being the editor of the ten-volume series, It’s Easy to W.R.I.T.E.! Her Center for Journal Therapy was a sponsor for the 30-Day Digital Journaling Challenge, and Kay is also my co-author to this published paper which details the results of before-and-after surveys taken by the first 1,500 participants of that same challenge.

In this episode, you’ll learn about Kay’s recent journaling retreat in Ireland, and her upcoming Journal Conference celebrating the 30-year anniversary of her work in journal therapy. We also reveal some of the most interesting, surprising findings from the 30-day digital journaling challenge. Kay also provides a teaser for her forthcoming workbook, Your Brain on Ink, combining journal-writing and neuroplasticity, co-authored with Deborah Ross, a previous JournalTalk guest. (JournalTalk, Episode #71, March 22, 2016)

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group.

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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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Journaling Tips from Best-Selling Success Coach, Jack Canfield

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It is a great honor to have the opportunity to interview a long-time mentor of mine, a man who needs no introduction. And, I enjoyed introducing anyway.

Jack Canfield has made his way into the hearts and homes of millions of people worldwide, for one reason or another, and this interview only scratched the surface of a fraction of the topics we could have discussed in so little time.

We did somehow manage to cover quite a bit. In this episode, I begin by sharing a brief personal history about my three-year success story in the multi-level marketing business of PartyLite Candles, which is how I first met Jack Canfield. Then, Jack and I discuss a range of topics, including:

The 10th anniversary of Jack’s landmark guide to personal and professional achievement, The Success Principles.
The experience of celebrating our book, The Soul of Success, go from launch to best-seller status in a matter of days.
Some behind-the-scenes stories about the making of his Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
What kept Jack Canfield inspired to keep pursuing his dreams, even when it seemed he was meeting with failure at every turn.
The amazing opportunity of becoming one of Jack’s Certified Trainer of the Success Principles Program.
The completely new 30-Day Sobriety Solution.
The role that journal-writing plays in Jack’s personal life, and his most-frequently used journaling techniques, for cultivating creativity, healing, and self-reflection.
How Jack’s wife, Inga, is turning her journal-writings into a memoir.
Jack’s free, ten-day personal transformation course, available to the public.

This was a fun and enriching conversation with a down-to-earth, and truly caring celebrity. I most enjoyed learning that even people as successful as Jack Canfield still fight with their demons on a daily basis, and often turn to their journals for bravery, insight and refuge.

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group.

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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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Lighten Up! (Writing to Shed Emotional Baggage)

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Too often, we carry around with us the constraints and limiting beliefs of our past. Do you wonder how to identify those pesky, negative and disempowering stories that weigh you down emotionally?

Laura Coe is an author, blogger, and certified life coach with a mission to help people shed emotional weight. In her book, Emotional Obesity, she shares exercises for emotional fitness, and techniques for ridding ourselves of “junk thoughts” that so easily creep into our self-talk.

In this episode, I share a real-life example of how my own thoughts have kept me feeling sad and alienated during my family gatherings in the holiday season, and how I learned that such feelings were completely my own emotional baggage. (JournalTalk, Episode #69, February 23, 2016)

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group.

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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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Journaling: A Toothbrush for the Mind

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Several episodes back, I gave some suggestions for what to write if you only have five minutes each day with your journal. We have revisited this idea many times in this podcast series, because like so many people I’ve sometimes only got five spare minutes to write — and some days, those five minutes alone with my thoughts are the most profound (and productive!) five minutes of my day.

Today we’ll be listening to a very special guest who combines the concepts of time-management and journal-writing. UJ Ramdas has passion for both psychology and business, employing his background in Behavioral Science, Marketing and Hypnosis. In addition to creating tools for productivity and time management, he’s consulted with (several hundred) clients, bringing them from confusion to clarity.

In this interview, we discuss two journal-like tools UJ created with his business partner, Alex Ikonn at Intelligent Change. The first is the widely-referenced Five Minute Journal, a creatively simple book for exercising the most powerful muscles of self-reflection. A “toothbrush for your mind,” the journal poses a few straight-forward questions for each morning and evening, helping you build strong habits of gratitude and success visualization. The second tool is the newly-released Productivity Planner, designed to help you implement a proven method for organizing your tasks and keeping focused on those which are most critical to your long-term success.

Throughout the conversation, UJ shares some powerful examples and stories which surely will inspire a shift toward gratitude and productivity in your personal journal-writing routine.

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group.

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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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When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes!

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My guest this week was pioneering the field of writing therapy before such a field even existed, and long before the word “journaling” became an internet buzzword. Susan Borkin continues to make a difference for seekers of healing through words, as a psychotherapist and author of books including: When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes, and Writing From The Inside Out. Her newest book, The Healing Power of Writing: A Therapist’s Guide to Using Journaling With Clients, contains a practical collection of exercises for anyone interested in personal transformation.

Our conversation knocked on the doors of many interesting questions. Are some people more affected by the power of words than others? How did the practice of psychotherapy promote the notion of writing to heal? What was the origin of the “Aha!” moment? Is writing therapy more effective than talk therapy? You won’t want to miss the unique journal-writing exercise that Susan shares with her clients to reduce anxiety and manage unrealistic fears.

Exclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners: Listen to this episode for details about receiving a copy of Susan Borkin’s book When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes absolutely free. (JournalTalk, Episode #67, January 26, 2016)

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group.

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Write4Life

Journaling for Passion, Clarity & Purpose!

Category Archives: JournalTalk

Beyond Journaling: The World Needs Your Message

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

Stop Drifting, Start Living

Journaling When Words Are Not Enough

Uncovering Many Selves Through Writing

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

Pioneering the Next 30 Years of Journal Therapy

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

Journaling Tips from Best-Selling Success Coach, Jack Canfield

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

Lighten Up! (Writing to Shed Emotional Baggage)

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

Journaling: A Toothbrush for the Mind

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

When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes!