Five Ways Journaling Helps You Solve Your Super-Sized Problems



Got a Super-Sized Problem?



“Sandy told me I should keep a journal about this super-sized problem I’m walking through,” I told my friend Rachel, “but it’s just too painful to write about.”

 

Rachel agreed with Sandy. “Even if you just write one sentence a day, it will help you get a grip on your feelings, and that’ll be a start. You don’t have to write a book, just a sentence.”

When I finally took their advice, I was amazed at how much healing I experienced because of this simple yet powerful exercise. It’s become a soothing friend in my anguish, a haven to run to when I’m overwhelmed. And since no else sees it, it’s safe from anyone who might be offended by my candor.

What factors about journaling help us when we’re in the midst of a horrible mess?

In the midst of a horrible mess?

1.      It’s Cathartic

Getting our feelings and impressions down on paper allows us to analyze our situation objectively. As long as our emotions stay locked away in our souls, we can’t find answers for what hurts us. When we allow ourselves to say, “I’m mad at Mom when she embarrasses me in public,” or “My kid’s choices scare me,” we can begin to seek the healing we need.

2.      It’s Empowering

When we share what’s been stuck inside, even if it’s ugly, we’re allowing God to get involved in our lives on a deeper level. We’re opening our hearts to His voice, thus His wisdom and love. We might even chose to write down what we feel He’s saying to us in answer to our cries. That’s when we start to heal.

I love to see how God works!

 

3.      It’s faith-building

Weeks, months and years from now we have a record to look back on. We see how the Lord brought us out of calamity or gave us wisdom in a sticky situation. That builds our faith to expect Him to move again, when another mountain stands in our way.

4.      It’s enlightening.

Journaling helps us gain fresh ideas and insights. As we write, we prime the pump of creativity and ingenuity. We leave behind yesterday’s thoughts and the stale, unoriginal ideas of the negative people who surround us. We open our minds to the bottomless well of God’s mind and heart, so He can show us how to think and behave like He does. Wow.

Everyone needs a cheap antidepressant

5.      It’s cheap.

My friend and fellow-writer, Jim Watkins reminded me of this fun benefit: “JournalingMy journal always listens to me and never judges me even if my ramblings could be used as possible evidence in a sanity hearing. is cheaper than a therapist. My journal always listens to me and never judges me, even if my ramblings could be used as possible evidence in a sanity hearing.” So . . . if you can’t afford a therapist, write your problems down, and let the healing begin!

 Do you journal? What benefits do you derive from it?