Cancer Journaling 101: Starting Your Cancer Journaling
Some people are reluctant to journal because it is one more thing to do. Journaling may sound intimidating if you do not believe that you are a good writer. You may not know how to start.
If you are concerned about journaling being burdensome; consider giving it a try for three weeks. By the end of that time, it may become a habit. You will likely begin to see benefits by then. If you see benefits, continue; if not, either choose to try a bit longer or consider another method to support your healing.
Approach journaling with a sense of curiosity. Say to yourself. “This is an activity which many people find helpful. Perhaps it may help me.” Keep an open mind.
Some people find that committing to writing one page is helpful in the beginning. Writing one page is manageable, yet not overwhelming. Some experts recommend that if you cannot think of something to say, writing “I can’t think of something to say, over and over again, leads people to think of something to say. “ See if this works for you if you get stuck.
A journal need not be created with words. Do you like to draw? Have you always wanted to paint? Would making collages appeal to you? You can use all of these techniques to keep a journal and not write one word. Use whatever techniques help you to stay in touch with your feelings.
Consider what your goals are for keeping a journal. This can be a great place to start when you do not know what to write. Journals are kept for many reasons.
Some people keep them to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. You can document what you eat, your energy and activity levels, and keep track of current treatments. Try rating your levels of pain or other symptoms.
A journal may be used to identify stressors, the effectiveness of medications, or links between foods which cause digestive disturbances. You can make your own health journal or you may purchase books designed that facilitate tracking of physical and emotional health. Keeping a journal may help you to recognize strategies and patterns which help or hinder your health. It can result in improving your sense of well-being.
You may keep a journal to provide meaning and purpose to yourself and others. Some people write their journals as if they were writing a letter. If you have grandchildren and want them to know how much you love them, and have wisdom that you wish to pass down to them when they get older; a journal can be a very special way for them to know you even if you are not present when they grow up.
Have you considered using technology to make your journal? You can record what you want to tell grandchildren and others with a cell phone or using a computer. A journal can take many forms. It need not be written.
Your journal may strengthen your spiritual life. Try purchasing a book of daily meditations or prayers. Read the day’s passage. Write whatever thoughts or feelings are provoked by your daily reading. Some people collect prayers and words of wisdom in their journals.
Use your journal to clarify your life’s goals. Make a list of your values, what you want to do with your life, or things that you want to change. Include a list of your strengths. Believers from diverse spiritual traditions state that you clearly stating your goals and desires sets the universe in motion to make those dreams become a reality.
Make Your Journal for You
Your journal is a gift to yourself. You may choose to share that gift with others, but that is up to you. Keeping a journal can be like conversing with your best friend. You will have a better understanding of who you are.
Cancer journaling lets you look past your illness and gets to the core of the wonderful person that you already are. It affords you the opportunity to heal in the truest sense of the word.
