If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.

—Gospel of St. Thomas

Self-discovery

I have been keeping a journal consistently for the last five or more years, for many different reasons. One is to document events, people, and places I don’t want to forget. Another is I like to keep a journal to help figure out my moods as they relate to my behavior and to help sort out my anxieties, joys, and so on. Essentially, I journal to get to know myself better. For example, why did I get so upset about that event, discussion, or comment? I want to uncover the conflicts that may really be going on.

Journal writing is a great way to self-discovery. Your feelings and insights are documented for future use. It’s a learning tool. You can see how you felt a year ago about a relationship. Was it better back then, or were you suffering from the same dilemmas?

The Artist’s Way

There is an outstanding book called The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, published by G. Putnam’s Sons. If you need help sorting out what is really going on in your mind and need a nudge or guidance, I highly recommend this book. You don’t have to be an artist to benefit greatly from this book.

Get started

If you don’t know how to get started, it’s easier than you might think. I first got started in college. As I mention elsewhere in this book, I fully realize I am not a gifted writer. After flunking English a couple of times at Metropolitan State College in Denver, I was advised to attend tutoring sessions at the writing center at the school. I had a great tutor who simply sat me down with a notebook and pen and said, “Okay, write.”

I asked, “Write about what?”

She said to write about whatever I wanted.

“Like what?”

“Just write about whatever you want to write about.”

I said, “I don’t want to write about anything.”

She said, “Write that.”

“What?”

“Just write. It doesn’t matter what you write about.”

“I don’t want to do this,” I said. “I am really busy and have a lot to do.”

“Write that,” she said. “Just shut up and start writing!”

I was thinking, “That is kind of rude,” and she said, “Write how you feel about that. Write about all the things you think you need to do. Write about how I am getting on your nerves. Just keep writing.”

Give up your resistance

Finally, I gave up my natural resistance and just started writing how I thought I was way too busy for this writing class and how I shouldn’t have to go there twice a week and how this was really a stupid exercise and how sure I was that I wasn’t going to benefit from it. When I gave up my resistance, I couldn’t believe how much I had to say. She could barely get me out of there when my hour was up. So if you have a problem getting started, I suggest the same thing to you—just write. You will benefit more than you could ever anticipate.

Find the best time of day for yourself to write. I find first thing in the morning very beneficial. I find that my dreams can really affect my mood when I wake up. Thus, I think it is important to do it close to waking up. Journal writing is about discovering yourself. It’s about having a better understanding about yourself. Consider it an adventure. Just start writing!