Letting go the glass
In the last entry (The weight of the glass) I touched on the benefits of letting go of the many negative emotions that we often carry, such as grief, shame, guilt etc. Today I will give you some more practical ways to do that.
While there are various schools of thoughts that offer different coping strategies for dealing with the past. However, the main outcome that we hope will be achieved from all of these tools is an emotional release. We know it is essential not to repress all that you are feeling, but rather get them out of your system and process the hurts, disappointments and grief. Crying is healing but it can’t go on forever. Have you ever considered journaling?
So what is journaling and what are the benefits?
Do you remember when you were about 10 years old and for your birthday you are given a special gift? It was a book usually decorated on the cover and it had a lock and a key. When you received it you are told that that is where you can write all of your secrets, your dreams and wishes and well as your hurts. Whether you realised it or not that is journaling.
Benefits of journaling:
Knowing yourself better
By writing routinely you will get to know what makes you feel happy and confident. You will also become clear about situations and people who are toxic to you. This is a great lesson for your own emotional well- being.
Reduce stress
Writing about anger, sadness and other painful emotions helps to release the intensity of these feelings. By doing so you will feel calmer and better able to stay in the present. If you are trying to address some anger that you have towards a person or a situation write it down. Don’t be afraid of what you are saying( no one is going to read it ) Then when you are finished burn it. Although it sounds tripe the release of the smoke initiates something within us that allows us to realise that it is dealt with.
Solve problems more efficiently
Typically we problem solve from a left-brained, analytical perspective. But sometimes the answer can only be found by engaging right-brained creativity and intuition. Writing unlocks these other capabilities and affords the opportunity for unexpected solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems.
Resolve disagreements with others
Writing about misunderstandings rather than stewing over them will help you to understand another’s point of view. By writing it down you are more likely to come up with a sensible resolution to the conflict.
In addition to all of these wonderful benefits, keeping a journal allows you to track patterns, trends and improvement and growth over time. When current circumstances appear insurmountable, you will be able to look back on previous dilemmas that you have since resolved.
Journaling, it’s simply writing down your thoughts and feelings to understand them more clearly. So let’s get started! On a personal preference don’t do it on a computer, buy yourself a journal pick up a pen and start writing.
Keep going.
Sue