For those who journal…
There is no such thing as a neutral journal entry.
Our moods, perspectives, and internal paradigms shape what we write. Whether you’re writing a careful narrative about a ray of sunshine or scrawling “I HATE HIM!!!” across the page, what you express is powerful.
Sometimes the writing itself is enough; it feels messy, holding, and cathartic to exhale the stories onto the page. Other times, the work begins by sharing your words (or chicken scratch) with another person. You don’t have to read it aloud (it is still therapy, not trying to give you sweats). If you think it could be useful, you can describe your process of articulation. It is a wonderful way to build our ‘alliance’ and strengthen my understanding of your inner world.