Keep your journal in a safe and private place. No one may read your journal without your permission.
Quiet yourself before you begin. Let your journaling time be sacred.
Be free to write anything! Don't censor. There are no 'shoulds,' no right or wrong in journaling. Simply put your thoughts and feeling on the paper.
Don't edit your writing. Don't worry about spelling, punctuation or sentence structure. There are no English teachers (with red pens) allowed in the journaling realm!
Don't be afraid of discomfort. If your writing causes you to feel unsettled, you are touching something important. Honor your body's messages to you and push very gently into the pain.
Feeling stuck is OK, also. It may mean you're pushing faster into your painful memories then you can tolerate.
Write about your secrets. Your journal is the friend who never gossips, judges or finds fault.
Watch for patterns within your writing. These patterns can help you learn and understand your inner workings.
Look for shades of gray. When you write about the dark times in your life, look for the hidden happiness. When you write about the good times, notice the forgotten moments of conflict or discomfort. Try to remember the truth.
Enjoy your writing time. Let the writing practice help you find peace.
Download a free ebook sample, The Healing Power of the Pen.
