Stress Center Peer Support

Hi.

Okay, so like my subject says, I'm having a really hard time starting the journal and I know it's because I am having a hard time writing the truth down on paper, and just being honest with myself about my feelings. It's easier for me to think it than it is to write it down...

Writing it down MAKES it REAL.
...and I know that's just my FEAR.

Any encouraging words are much needed.
Thanks!

I write in my day's experiences and how I was feeling thru the day. Think of it as a little
autobiography of yourself as you go thru your
day.

I was reluctant to do this at first as well because I am/was in total denial. But I forced myself to do it and now I cannot go anywhere without it. I even take it to bed with me because I tend to wake up in the middle of the night, so I write what I am feeling. Yes, it can be scary at first, but it is so empowering to watch/read about the changes taking place inside of you. Do it!! You won't be sorry.

At first all I had was negative stuff and there was a lot of it because I had done cbt before and knew exactly what all my negative thoughts were. I'm now though, actually able to come up with some good positive replies to myself because I have stuck with the journaling, and forced myself to come up with something positive. It's just not realistic to believe there is nothing positive. We all have been so used to dismissing the positive and dwelling on the negative. Writing down some of the negative things won't kill you. They are just thoughts, just words, and you can turn a lot of them around.

I found having a journal tough at times myself. I started off with pasting lyrics of songs that inspired me, or pictures that did the same. Some days when I didn't know what to write, I would write down 10 things I was grateful for that day. I don't write in mine every day...in fact, I use myspace for most of it now...it's just faster for me to type. I do find it to be extremely helpful...even if I have to write a letter to someone and just not send it. Know what I mean? I think a lot of us are afraid that once we write things down, not only will we have to face them, but that someone else may pick it up and read it. That is another reason why I like myspace...it's password protected and it has a diary function in the blog section. I did find, that as I went along, that putting those truths on paper was such a release, and that I could put those feelings behind me. Give it a whirl for a week...see how you do.