The Benefits of Journaling

"In difficult times always carry something beautiful inside." - Blaise Pascal

Has it really been almost 3 months since my last blog post?  I have had a very difficult time lately.  My husband passed away recently and it has turned my life upside down.  It has affected every area of my life and even the simplest of tasks seem like moving mountains. I am struggling to move toward peace and acceptance and trying to regain some sense of normalcy in my life, if for nothing else than as a distraction for those times when I'm "thinking" too much.

The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next.
~Mignon McLaughlin

One of the things that I turn to when I'm feeling emotionally drained and out of control is my art journal. I began art journaling regularly to help me cope with the death of my father  a little over a year ago. Since that time I have found my art journal to be a powerful tool that helps me in ways I never could have imagined.  Like a trusted friend, my journal is always there to listen as I pour out my feelings, and allows me the freedom to release all of my emotions without worry of how my words will affect others.  It's a restorative form of self nourishment and self-care that helps me to sort through my thoughts, which at times are all over the place. I always feel stronger and more in control after working in my art journal and when working through grief, or writing about the loss of a loved one, the benefits of keeping a journal are astounding and incredibly therapeutic.

I came across a terrific article written by Life Coach Susan Good that describes some of the benefits of art therapy.  Here is an excerpt from that article:


"The joy you feel when creating art can be healing in itself. It's easy to get "lost" in your creativity, relieving stress and thereby eliminating a major cause of dis-ease. But the effects are even more profound. According to the Art As a Healing Force web site (www.artashealing.org), scientific studies have shown that art literally changes not only a person's attitude, but their physiology. Art and music affect a person's brain wave pattern, along with the autonomic nervous system, hormonal balance, brain neurotransmitters, immune system and blood flow to all the organs. They change one's perceptions of the world, including their emotional state and perception of pain."  Read full article....


I know that brighter days are ahead for me and I'm grateful for the outpouring of love and support I've received during this difficult time.  I wish you all Peace and Love.


May you find serenity and tranquility in a world you may not always understand. May the pain you have known and the conflict you have experienced give you the strength to walk through life facing each new situation with courage and optimism. Always know that there are those whose love and understanding will always be there, even when you feel most alone. May you discover enough goodness in others to believe in a world of peace. May a kind word, a reassuring touch, and a warm smile be yours every day of your life, and may you give these gifts as well as receive them. Remember the sunshine when the storm seems unending.~Unknown

For more information about the benefits of journaling, check out the links below.
Journey Through Grief
Art as Healing
100 Benefits of Journaling
The Therapeutic Benefits of Journaling
Journal Therapy Cures
Healing Art