KEEP A JOURNAL: WRITE TO SURVIVE
Writing in a journal can be a life-changing experience. I found that the act of recording the words to express my feelings and observations about the emotional, physical and day-to-day challenges I was facing brought me tremendous relief and clarity. If you've never kept a journal, here are some tips to get you started…

Find the specific time of the day that best works for you, and build it into your schedule just like a business or doctor's appointment. And don't let anything but emergencies interfere or pull you away. Also don't say no to an urge to write at anytime. Give yourself the freedom to jot down your thoughts whenever they occur.

Find a place to write that is comforting, relaxing and peaceful. Perhaps it's a room in your house, or your patio, or the library, or your favorite coffee shop.

If you decide to write at home, create a stimulating environment. What turns you on? Is it music? Burning candles? The aroma of a cup of tea or expresso? For me, it was turning on a soothing tape and writing by candle light.

What to write on? If you don't have a copy of My Healing Companion, think about investing in one of the bound journals now available at many bookstores or stationary departments. If a thought occurs, grab a piece of paper or napkin, and write!

What to write with? Any pen will do, but consider treating yourself to a quality writing instrument that you only use for journal writing. One woman told me she spent $65 on a pen, but that she had never been happier writing.

Give yourself permission to write any way you want. Now that you have all your writing tools, where do you start? Make a list of your emotions. To unleash these emotions, pick a word, feeling or quote. If you're happy, consider writing in pink ink. If you're sad, try blue ink. Also, write big, write small, from left to write, in a circle, whatever your mood dictates. If you can't find the words, draw a picture. Let the child in you roam free, and your spirits will follow.

Don't edit yourself. We already spend too much time judging ourselves. Trusting yourself means giving your feelings full-rein to come out. So who cares if you misspell a word or don't write complete sentences! It's your journal, and no one will ever see it - unless you want them to.