@gingerw Hi Ginger and other fellow journalers,

I am so glad to see this topic on Mayo Connect! To answer the question in the title of this discussion the answer would be a resounding Yes. Journaling has been the right/write stuff for me for a very long time. I didn't journal when I was a child but as an adult, journaling has been a good friend to me.

You see, I grew up in a home where feelings had to be monitored and not expressed unless they were "acceptable." That meant that feelings of hurt, anger, disappointment were shut down. Therefore, as an adult, the journal was my place to let it all out. All of the feelings can now be put on paper and "gotten out," whether they were considered acceptable or not. What a relief!

My journaling has taken me through some tough times. Especially through losses such as jobs, marriage, death of loved ones and transitions of all sorts.

Journaling has also been a spiritual growth venue for me. Sometimes when I feel I can't pray, I can write prayers, write reflections on my faith, even when I can't get the words out in audible prayer.

I am so looking forward to hearing what others will write about journaling. Fellow Connect members: How have you used a journal?