I can totally attest to the power of journaling. Back in 1996 when I was suffering from postpartum depression, my psychologist suggested that I start to keep a journal. I thought she was the crazy one -- how could I possibly find the time when I was caring for a 13-month-old and a newborn, not to mention being horribly ill from PPD at the same time?! But, I grudgingly followed her advice (I would have done anything to get through the PPD, whether journaling or standing on my head!), and it turned out to be a real lifesaver. As you and others have mentioned here, it allowed me to release and express feelings that I didn't even realize I had pent up deep inside.
I enjoyed writing in my journal so much that I joined a moms' writing group at a local library (that provided free child care during the meetings!) and from there joined a more serious novelists' writing group. I ended up writing a fictional novel and then got up the nerve to pitch a column idea to The Arizona Republic. The paper hired me, even with no newspaper/reporting experience, and I ended up writing the longest running feature column in the history of the paper (ran for nearly 4 years). During that time, I wrote a cover story on EmpowHer's founder, Michelle Robson, and before I knew it I was working with her to create a really cool women's health web site. Now, three years after meeting Michelle, I truly believe that if I hadn't opened that blank journal and started writing, I wouldn't be where I am today -- part of an incredible team of people dedicated to improving the health of women. So, yes, journaling can be quite powerful....
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I can totally attest to the power of journaling. Back in 1996 when I was suffering from postpartum depression, my psychologist suggested that I start to keep a journal. I thought she was the crazy one -- how could I possibly find the time when I was caring for a 13-month-old and a newborn, not to mention being horribly ill from PPD at the same time?! But, I grudgingly followed her advice (I would have done anything to get through the PPD, whether journaling or standing on my head!), and it turned out to be a real lifesaver. As you and others have mentioned here, it allowed me to release and express feelings that I didn't even realize I had pent up deep inside.
I enjoyed writing in my journal so much that I joined a moms' writing group at a local library (that provided free child care during the meetings!) and from there joined a more serious novelists' writing group. I ended up writing a fictional novel and then got up the nerve to pitch a column idea to The Arizona Republic. The paper hired me, even with no newspaper/reporting experience, and I ended up writing the longest running feature column in the history of the paper (ran for nearly 4 years). During that time, I wrote a cover story on EmpowHer's founder, Michelle Robson, and before I knew it I was working with her to create a really cool women's health web site. Now, three years after meeting Michelle, I truly believe that if I hadn't opened that blank journal and started writing, I wouldn't be where I am today -- part of an incredible team of people dedicated to improving the health of women. So, yes, journaling can be quite powerful....
March 31, 2009 - 10:54pmThis Comment
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