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Tips for Journaling

Journaling is a lot like what your mother may have told you about taking medicine: “It’s good for you, so do it anyway.” Now, whatever comes up in you with that memory, make a stretch to step past it because this is not something your mother is telling you to do. Journaling is a choice you get to make for yourself. And that is what this little note is about – how you do it just for yourself. Here are the basics:

Your journal is private – a communication for you alone. No one – EVER – is to read any part of it. If you want to share something with someone - even with your counselor – read it to them.
If you cannot guarantee your journal will remain private, burn the pages after you write them (Do it safely, please!)
Remember, there is no grade. Don’t worry about sentences, spelling, grammar or neatness.
Write whatever comes in your head – no matter what.
If you can’t think of anything, write about what it is like to not have anything to write about.
Write often – more than you want to or think you need to.

Oh, you are wondering what you will get out of journaling? No one can tell you. You can only find out by doing it.

John Goll is an Indiana Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). He helps couples, families and individuals understand the patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that keep them from having the relationships and the successes that they desire, while working with them to mobilize their ability and power to make the choices and changes that will make a real difference in their lives.

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