Love shouldn’t hurt

Love Shouldn't Hurt - Ever

Tuesday, 17 December 2024 07:39

Healing Through Journaling
by Teresia Smith

I am sure you’ve heard the old saying, “You grow through what you go through”. What exactly do people mean when they say that? It is a phrase that reminds us that people can become more resilient by overcoming hard things especially when they look for the lessons that can be learned from their experiences. Through these traumatic experiences, people may realize they possess unknown inner strengths and discover new abilities during difficult times. Kirstin Corley reminds us, “You’ve been through a thousand things in your life that people don’t even know about. You’ve experienced things that have shaken you, changed you, broken you, built you, and taught you to be stronger than you ever thought you had the ability to be. And you are who you are for all of it.” Even though no one would intentionally choose hardships, those difficult circumstances may allow us to grow in ways we never imagined. However, sometimes you may need help to process the emotions and thoughts that come with those hardships. Talking with a trusted friend or counselor may be the best idea, but if they are not available, I would like to suggest journaling.

Journaling is considered healing because it provides a safe space to express your feelings and release bottled up emotions. When you go back and read through your journal, you may gain insight into the situations and it may help you to resolve feelings, which in turn may lead to improved mental well-being.
Hannah Van Horn, MCMHC, LPC-C, shares the following key reasons why journaling can be therapeutic:

Emotional release: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can act as a release valve, helping you to let go of negative emotions that might be bottled up inside.
Self-reflection: Reviewing your journal entries and identifying patterns in your thoughts and behaviors can lead to greater self-awareness and understanding.
Perspective shift: Writing down your experiences can help you gain a new perspective on situations, allowing you to see things more clearly and objectively.
Trauma processing: Journaling can be a valuable tool for processing traumatic experiences by allowing you to revisit them in a controlled environment and work through the associated emotions.
Positive self-talk: Journaling can help you practice positive affirmations and challenge negative self-talk, promoting a more optimistic outlook.

Problem-solving: By writing down challenges and concerns, you can identify potential solutions and develop strategies for managing difficult situations.
To get the most benefit from journaling, here are a few suggestions: First, keep your journal private. By keeping it private you will feel free to write honestly. Next, try to write something every day, being consistent. Make sure to go back and re-read entries and reflect on what you may be learning. And finally, accept your feelings, acknowledge needed changes, plan goals or solutions and embrace your discovered strengths.

Journaling can be very healing for many. It can lift your spirits, reduce stress and anxiety, and remind you of your strengths. Journaling may also transform your thoughts and behaviors, and reveal patterns that you may want to change. If you have experienced trauma and hurt, what you learn from journaling may help you build a strong foundation for healing the past and stepping into the future with confidence.
Crisis Services of North Alabama Jackson County Office offers free and confidential services to survivors of sexual assault and intimate partner violence. You may reach our office at 256.574.5826 for an appointment with an advocate. We also offer a 24/7 HELPline, where you can talk to a trained crisis counselor anytime. It may be reached at 256.716.1000. Reach out. You are not alone.