physical, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness.” Yet, using a journal to refl ect on
one’s life does not require being in therapy. (In fact, a journal can become a therapist of sorts—requiring no appointment and no fee!) Journaling can be done by “anyone who desires self-directed change,” says Adams. All that’s required is “a willingness to explore moments of ecstasy and mo- ments of despair, critical illness and crucial life choice, psychological heal- ing, and spiritual discovery.” As Adams explains, in times of emotional upheaval a journal be- comes a container into which we can pour our thoughts and feelings to make them more manageable and easier to sort out and clarify. Howev- er, research has shown that, over time, writing only about the darker side of life does more harm than good. It’s important to maintain a balance and include happier, positive elements as well. Even including a few positive words or phrases in a darker journal entry can help. Journaling requires no special
skills. You don’t have to be a “real writer.” You can use a pen and paper or a computer—whatever works for you. All you need is the willingness to write for a few minutes whenever the mood strikes and the desire to “listen” as the words pour out onto the page. You’ll be well-rewarded for your efforts.
Barbara Stahura is co-author of After Brain Injury: Telling Your Story, the fi rst journaling book for survivors of brain injury. She is an award-winning free- lance writer, long-time journal keeper, and certifi ed instructor of Journal to the Self®, a method of refl ective writing featuring powerful, easy-to-learn tools for healing, self-empowerment, and self-directed change. Enrolled in the Certifi ed Journal Facilitator program of The Center for Journal Therapy, she facilitates various journaling work- shops, including those she designed for people with brain injury and their family caregivers. She also presents journaling workshops to the National Guard in Arizona and elsewhere. See more at
barbarastahura.com.
November 2010 21
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