Writing is a Healing Place

 

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“Writing was the healing place where I could collect bits and pieces, where I could put them together again…written words change us all and make us more than we could ever be without them.”~ Bell Hooks

Journalling is, for me, something of an addiction. I write every day. Sometimes, depending on my mood, my hand aches from writing pages and pages. At other times it might just be a few words, or a list. Whatever I write I always feel better afterwards. Writing is a cathartic and healing process. 

My words are not intended for anyone else to read and there's the magic. I'm free to write whatever I want, uncensored and it doesn't matter if I make a spelling mistake, or my handwriting that day is particularly bad, as no one is going to assess, criticise or judge. 

I'm a member of a wonderful organisation called the IAJW (International Association for Journal Writing) which has a helpful article about how to get started in journalling and its benefits.

"Journalling can help you to heal from stressful life circumstances, to deal with grief and loss, or other life transitions. People use journal writing in different ways for a variety of reasons.  One person might journal to heal a broken heart and their journalling might take the form of an unsent letter, expressing all they wish they might have said to that person who is no longer in their life.  Someone else might be journaling to celebrate their accomplishments and successes and they make a list of their recent points of pride in the pages of their journal."

 Click here and here to find out more. 

Writing Prompts:

• Write in answer to the following questions. What are you feeling right now? What do you need right now? What would you love?
  

• Write an unsent letter, perhaps to someone you are angry with, who has upset you, or someone no longer in your life. Write as hard and fast as you can. Don't hold back.  Just say exactly how you feel. Set a timer for ten minutes. 
• If you like, become the person you wrote to and write a reply. What does that person want you to know? Set a timer again.
  
• Now write a third letter from your 'Wise Self' to yourself saying what will be best for you to do next.