Comments on: Writing Wednesday: The Therapeutic Benefits of Keeping a Journal

By: Paperblanks

Paperblanks — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:39:26 +0000

In reply to Stacey.

Hi Stacey,

We couldn’t agree more that it’s important to always have the journal close by; it doesn’t work if it’s out of sight, out of mind! And honesty definitely is key. That’s the beauty of the journal, you can be totally honest without worrying about receiving judgement or unsolicited advice.

Thanks for writing,
The Paperblanks^® Team

By: Paperblanks

Paperblanks — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 17:37:44 +0000

In reply to Janine Atkin. Hi Janine, Thanks for such a thoughtful reply and for sharing your story. We're so glad to hear that journalling as been helpful to you. They are definitely great companions to have when you need an a non-judgmental ear. All the best, The Paperblanks^® Team

By: Stacey

Stacey — Thu, 29 May 2014 19:48:08 +0000

A very useful post outlining the practical application of journaling in order to address various circumstances that can impair our daily living, such as depression and insomnia. I have found, as a result of decades of both journaling daily and then not-journaling for months/years (!!!), that there are 2 basic keys for including journaling as a part of one’s life. The 1st key should be obvious, but slips away when one is not journaling on a regular basis, and, that is, ALWAYS HAVE A JOURNAL NOTEBOOK AT-THE-READY! – that is, not in a box in the closet or storage or “somewhere” in one of one’s drawers, shelves or file cabinet, or “hidden in a place no one will ever find it because it’s personal” (when I changed residences, I discovered 10 journals that I’d started and then forgot about, having abandoned each for lack of enthusiasm) When your interest in journaling resurfaces after a period of non-journaling, you don’t want to have to search for the missing journal, nor do you want to wait to buy a new journal, for the “moment of inspiration” has passed and then a part of your memory says “See, it doesn’t matter if you journal or not,” which frequently results in your by-passing (sometimes for months) a mode of self-expression that can be of value to you in your life.

The 2nd key is to WRITE HONESTLY ABOUT WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU AT THE PRESENT, rather than only about what you think you should write about. If what you write comes from your heart and mind, rather than only from your left brain, not only do you receive immediate benefits but you will find that you will more regularly approach journaling with enthusiasm rather than with tired resignation, and you will more likely re-read old journal entries for a clearer understanding of yourself and even of the present. The more you journal, even if an entry is only one sentence, the more valuable, and essential, the process becomes in your life.

By: Janine Atkin

Janine Atkin — Wed, 28 May 2014 18:39:50 +0000

Amazing post. I’ve kept a journal from a very young age thanks to the advice of my mum.
I write in it most days, some days it might only be a sentence, other days I can fill pages. The great thing about journals, what ever the motivation for using them is that they don’t judge. They don’t get offended if you don’t write for a while and they don’t start checking their phone or reading the paper when you have an ‘Ariston’ moment.
It’s such a fantastic way of letting go. Sometimes I find that after having a good blowout and then re reading I’m able to gain a much better perspective and can actually start thinking of ways to move forward. It makes me feel like a fog has been lifted and the sun has come out to light up the path ahead.
We all have thoughts that we would never say aloud for fear of upsetting someone or causing friction so a journal is a safe way to say what you feel minus any guilt or consequence.
You have so many beautiful journals to choose from, each one inviting you to share your story with them, promising to keep your thoughts, feelings, ideas, hopes and dreams safely within.
I especially love your Embellished Manuscripts selection.