Summary

The author describes how journaling was instrumental in making life-changing decisions, such as leaving a troubled marriage and ending unhealthy friendships, aiding in their healing journey.

Abstract

The author shares their personal experience with journaling as a tool for navigating difficult life decisions. In 2010, facing a miserable marriage to an unfaithful and cruel spouse, the author turned to journaling to process their emotions and ultimately found the courage to leave. Later, when confronted with the realization that long-standing friendships were also toxic, journaling again provided clarity and strength to move on. The author emphasizes the therapeutic value of writing down thoughts and feelings, crediting a simple lined notebook with playing a significant role in their recovery and personal growth.

Opinions

The author believes that journaling is an effective method for dealing with personal crises, providing a private sounding board.
They express that personal decisions, especially those involving relationships, should be made based on self-reflection rather than solely relying on others' advice.
The author suggests that writing about one's situation can lead to important realizations and self-affirmation, particularly when reinforced by personal beliefs or scripture.
They indicate that journaling helped them to recognize their self-worth and the need for better treatment in their marriage.
The author conveys that journaling is a process that can be revisited over time, allowing for the gradual understanding of complex emotions and relationships.
They advocate for the power of journaling in facilitating emotional healing and making difficult decisions, even when it involves significant life changes.
The author encourages those unfamiliar with journaling to try it, hinting at the potential for others to experience similar benefits in their own healing journeys.

Journaling Made a Difference in My Healing Journey

It can make a difference in your healing journey, too.

There are times in our lives when we have to make decisions. Difficult ones that change us forever. Have you been there? I have. More than once. And you probably have, too.

It’s during these times that we need a sounding board, because these decisions can’t be made lightly. These things take a listening ear and time. But what if the decision is so personal that it’s not easy to find the right person to talk to? Or maybe we’re afraid that someone else’s opinion will somehow mislead us?

If you’re at such a crossroads, have you considered journaling? You might be surprised at how helpful a lined notebook can be. If you’re not convinced, let me tell you how journaling helped me set boundaries.

My Miserable Marriage

In 2010, I was in a miserable marriage. I didn’t want a divorce, but I couldn’t stay either. Who wants to be married to an unfaithful spouse who is cruel and callous with his words? I didn’t.

But I was afraid to leave.

Different people gave me different advice. Some encouraged me to stay. Others encouraged me to go. What was I to do? I was at a turning point.

But I had to do what was best for me, no matter what anyone else said. I wanted better for my life, and despite my low self-confidence, I knew I could have it.

So, what did I do? I went to counseling. The listening ear of my counselor made a difference. But in order to process my decision, I turned to my journal.

I poured my heart out on those pages. And, as a believer in the Bible, I even wrote about Bible verses that confirmed I deserved better. The parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin indicated that these things were valuable to God. But I wasn’t valuable to my husband. And that wasn’t right.

Coming to this realization gave me clarity and the courage to leave. It was the hardest decision I’ve ever made. But, I couldn’t stay where I was.

Writing about my situation helped me see that God wasn’t okay with the way I was being treated. And neither was I.

I left on February 9, 2011.

I was finally free. It would be many years before I’d meet my current husband, but the healing journey had begun.

Journaling played an important role in my recovery. It helped me face the truth. The truth that I couldn’t go on like that and that the marriage was beyond repair. It gave me the courage to make the hardest decision of all.

My Feeble Friendships

A few years later, I began to deal with other unhealthy relationships. When I realized that many of my friendships weren’t good either, another crossroads presented itself.

Would I hold on to the friends I’d had most of my life? Or would I let them go? I would never have imagined life without them.

I shared my concerns with family and counselors, but to make the best decision, I turned once again to my journal.

Looking back, I can see how I processed things in stages. I wrote about how emotionally drained I became after spending time with these friends.

And over time, my conviction that these friends were no longer right for me grew.

Yes, the friendships had to end.

Was it easy? No. In some ways it was more shocking than ending my marriage. The marriage relationship was more obviously unhealthy.

But, once again, my journal played a huge role in my healing journey.

My journaling practice has been a consistent habit over the years. It’s helped me get my thoughts down on paper and see them clearly. I’ve been able to make the best decisions for me with the help of a lined notebook. Isn’t that incredible?

If you’re already an avid journal user, these thoughts may not be shocking. And you’ve likely experienced other benefits from journaling. If so, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.

If you’re not familiar with the benefits of journaling, how about giving it a try?