Tag Archives: JournalTalk Q&A

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: “How Do You Keep Your Journal Secret?”

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One of the deepest fears people have about keeping a journal is having their privacy violated.

And rightly so. For most of us, privacy ensures safety. And only in a space of complete safety can we allow ourselves to be vulnerably honest. Journal-writing is valuable only to the degree we are willing to honestly explore ourselves and our most precious desires.

Whether you’re hiding your notebook, or password-protecting your computer, how can you be sure that your journal is secret? Jayde Gilmore and I discuss our tips and tricks (while also revealing some embarrassing phases of of our own paranoia!) for maintaining privacy, on this episode of JournalTalk Q&A.

Your turn to answer: Do you ever worry someone is reading your journal? How do you keep your journal private? Or, are you okay with your journal being an “open book”? Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

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

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Q&A: “What if I Hate to Write?”

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This episode is dedicated to my brother Dan, and his Number One Reason for not taking my journal-writing suggestions. He’s my biggest fan, but admits, “I hate writing!”

Kim Ades with Frame of Mind Coaching joins me with a response to Dan (and all those who say “thanks but no thanks” to journaling). The key is to stay focused on the practical accomplishments and desired outcomes.

Your turn to answer: Do you like the idea of journaling, but can’t seem to force yourself to write? How do you bring yourself to the blank page? What are the most inspiring goals you have for yourself right now? Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

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

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Q&A: “How Can We Use Journaling for Healing After Community Tragedy?”

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The traumatic student shooting in Columbine, Colorado (April 1999). Racial tragedies such as those in Charleston, South Carolina (2015) and Ferguson, Missouri (2014). The Los Angeles race riots of 1992. The World Trade Center collapse of 9/11. Events so profoundly sad and far-reaching inspire many people turn to their journals for reflection, prayer, grieving, and hope. Is it possible that journal-writing can offer healing on a community level? This precious question came from a member of Kay Adams’ Journal-to-the-Self community. For those who advocate a healthy journaling practice, how can one use their knowledge and training to bring strength and peace to entire communities of people in their time of need?

Jayde Gilmore and I discuss several ideas and resources, such as James Pennebaker’s Writing to Heal, John Evans’ work, and Lynda Monk’s Writing Alone Together. I am delighted that there are people both skilled and caring enough to bring this work to communities of people, and this episode will hopefully encourage more to prepare to do the same.

Your turn to answer: How can journal-writing be offered to communities who have suffered? Or, to mend the relationship between two groups of people? What ways have you shared the healing of power of words on a community level? 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). When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #31, July 21, 2015)

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

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To Listen: Click on the “play” button > at the top of this article.

Q&A: “What are the Rules of Journaling?”

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In the first session of every journal-writing workshop I teach, we spend a little time sharing (and debunking!) the myths and rumors we’ve all heard about “the rules” of proper journal-keeping. So when I saw this question online, I knew I had to make an episode about it.

Should I start a certain way? Does each entry need to be a minimum length? Do I have to use pen and paper? Do I have to write every single day? I think people ask these questions because they want some structure, and want to hear some of the “best practices” that have worked for others — not because they want to be boxed-in.

Starting from my favorite pet answer, “there’s no wrong way to write,” Jayde Gilmore and I work backwards into a select few guidelines for best results, including: dating your entries, practicing complete honesty and exploration of feelings.

Your turn to answer: What journal-writing “guidelines” have served you the best? In what ways do you “break the rules” in your journal? Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

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

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To Listen: Click on the “play” button > at the top of this article.

Q&A: “Is Journaling in Schools a Good Thing?

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It seems like every subject in school is requiring students to keep a “journal” for enhanced learning. My first reaction to this awareness was happy. But I wonder whether students can be truly honest, while they are also hoping their teachers will award them a good grade? Doesn’t this violate some of the defining characteristics of good journaling?

Kim Ades, from Frame of Mind Coaching in Toronto, Canada, joins me to answer this and other interesting related questions. You can learn more about Frame of Mind Coaching by taking this assessment. Receive a free consultation from a Frame of Mind coach. Please let them know that you heard about them on JournalTalk!

Your turn to answer: Do you keep a journal as a school assignment? Do you feel it helps you personally, or is it just another assignment? Teachers, how do you see journaling helping your students? Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

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

To Subscribe:
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To Listen: Click on the “play” button > at the top of this article.

Write4Life

Journaling for Passion, Clarity & Purpose!

Tag Archives: JournalTalk Q&A

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: “How Do You Keep Your Journal Secret?”

Q&A: “What if I Hate to Write?”

Q&A: “How Can We Use Journaling for Healing After Community Tragedy?”

Q&A: “What are the Rules of Journaling?”

Q&A: “Is Journaling in Schools a Good Thing?