I have a quiet friend who has a lot to say. It seems that I need only share a few of my thoughts, and I receive the most wonderful reflection back. Even if what I have said is not pretty or pleasant my friend just reflects it back to me without judgment or shame. What a value that is! It frees me up to feel heard, release pent up feelings…and then gain new perspective. Sometimes whatever may have been bothering me disappears. Other times I move into a new realization that I then tell my friend. Our connection and trust has deepened over the years. There are still some things I dance around when we meet, but she doesn’t seem to mind. It’s as though she knows that I’ll deal with such things when I am ready. An unconditional friend like this is hard to find in today’s world.
You may have already guessed that I’m describing my journal, the place I go to be who I am, where I am, whenever I choose. There are times when the words come out of me in an eloquent fashion, and more often, they blurp out in bits and pieces that make sense only to me. And that’s okay…since it is just for me. No one else is allowed in my quiet friend sanctuary. That’s part of what makes our ‘friendship’ so alive.
My hope is that you will remember, as I send you these messages, that you, too, have a friend to whom you can say it all, as it fits for you. It is important for me to return from time to time to these very basic ideas about the journal, or as I like to call it, therapeutic writing. In this very sophisticated world we are part of there is this simple method, requiring only paper and pen, that can help you move toward peace within. It can be a companion who is available at any time, day or night, and will listen to your drivel as well as what drives you.
Favorite journaling books like Kathleen Adams Journal to the Self and Nelson’s Writing and Being happily glide off the shelf. The most useful technique to come from my training with Kay Adams is the Five-Minute Sprint. Most of you know it, but it seems like a way to remind you again, that this quiet friend, who has so much to say, is content with visits of even just five minutes at a time. More can be said in that amount of time than you might believe, so I urge you to set a timer and try it out. It can be a good way to get grounded, clear yourself of distractions and begin to focus on one thing at a time. You may begin to value that quiet friend you have as well.
Enjoy yourselves…and remember to savor some of those joys in your journal, too.
--Sue