Journaling Exercises

On the path to healing, journaling can be a very powerful tool of self-discovery. It allows us a venue to release things we may otherwise keep bottled up. It allows us to creatively express our ideas, organize our thoughts, and allow us to review our progress.

Below is a list of healing journaling exercises designed to draw out inner feelings, uncover hidden thoughts/beliefs that may be hindering the healing process, and help you set realistic goals for yourself.

How do I see myself?

Close your eyes for a few moments, and pay attention to what comes to mind as you think, “this is how I see myself”. Write down or draw any symbolism, colors, shapes, etc that come to mind. What feelings come up? What does the symbology say to you?

How do I want to see myself?

Close your eyes for a few minutes. Envision yourself at peak health, physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Write down or sketch out any symbolism, colors, shapes etc. Describe yourself, including your surroundings, your feelings, and your thoughts.

The person I most admire and why

Name a person who inspires you. What about this person do you admire most? What qualities do they embody that you would like to see more of in yourself? What unique contribution has he/she made to the world, and how has this affected you?

The person I least admire and why

Name a person whose actions and/or attitudes you question. How do you allow this person to affect you? What does he/she do that really bothers you and why? Does this person embody something that you have a hard time accepting within yourself?

Comparing and Contrasting

It is said that what we see in others we cannot recognize if we don't also recognize at least some aspect of it within ourselves. We are all mirrors reflecting each other to varying degrees. Keeping this in mind reflect on the person(s) in the previous exercises that you admire the most and the least. What characteristics of these people do you see also within yourself? How does this manifest and how does this make you feel?

Word Association:

For the following people, write the first word that comes to your mind. Don't put a lot of thought into it; just write the first word that comes to your mind for each one. If one is not applicable, skip it and move on to the next. If there are people who you would also like to include, feel free to add them to the list.

Spouse Mother Father Grandmother Grandfather My Best Female Friend My Best Male Friend My Nearest Neighbor My Pet Me

Once you have done this exercise with all of the people you wish to include, reflect on your answers. Who received the most positive response? Were any of your answers critical? If so what does this say to you? Are their issues that need to be forgiven with this person(s)?

The above exercises are a good start for those who want to use writing as a healing tool on their journey of self-discovery. Writing and the power of the written word should never be underestimated; they can help us change our destiny.