Journaling - The Write Stuff For You?

I have had mental health issues surrounding depression and anxiety, and poisonous/codependent relationships in my life. In an attempt to try to figure it out, I turned to self-help books [often!] and professional therapy [when deemed needed], all the meanwhile continuing to journal. While there are people who might shudder to think of someone raising their hand to say "Yep, I've been there", for me it is a matter of honesty with myself. I can review some writings and really see how the journey has been, and grateful to be here today.

So, what are some of those books on my shelf? "Grapho-Therapeutics, Pen and Paper Therapy" by Paul de Sainte Colombe. "The Power of Your other Hand" and "The Well-Being Journal" both by Lucia Capacchione. Books by Julia Cameron including "The Artist's Way", "The Right to Write", and "The Writing Diet". "The Invitation", "The Dance", and "What We Ache For" all by Oriah Mountain Dreamer. Oh, there are more! Ones that give me a reading for each day of the year, and a chance to write. Everything has underlines, notes in the margins, comments inside the covers.

Do you have a book or prompt or quote that you have referred to often, to help you get through a rough spot?
Ginger

@gingerw Have you heard or read Natalie Goldberg book Writing Down the Bones? She shares her process of writing.

@gingerw Have you heard or read Natalie Goldberg book Writing Down the Bones? She shares her process of writing.

@marjou I have that book, too! I was taken aback to see the wide variety still on my shelves. At one point there were 3 bookcases in my apartment, now down to one 6'. It was difficult to release old friends in printed form. Like many, the printed page is tactile, the borders and pages have notes, pretty interesting to read years later.

I liked the "Artist's Way", although there are times I didn't adhere to the rules. Anytime you start a journey of self-work and discovery, it can be scary. Then there is a lot of times I tell myself "you have to go through the discomfort and darkness to get to the healing". What do you think?
Ginger

@gingerw I do agree that we have to go thru the rough spots to get to the other side of healing, but at times it's a more difficult task. These times makes it more challenging to approach.

@marjou Years ago I placed a copy of "The Artist's Way Workbook" on my shelf. It can be used in conjunction with the namesake book, or not. Dug it out the other day, and going through the introduction. I think I am going to give it a stab doing this. While it calls for morning pages and weekly artist date, it is a 12-week guided program of sorts, each week focusing on something different.
Ginger

@marjou Years ago I placed a copy of "The Artist's Way Workbook" on my shelf. It can be used in conjunction with the namesake book, or not. Dug it out the other day, and going through the introduction. I think I am going to give it a stab doing this. While it calls for morning pages and weekly artist date, it is a 12-week guided program of sorts, each week focusing on something different.
Ginger

How to Write books are fine for getting ideas and inspiration but the best thing one can do is just write. Put pen to paper or fingers to a keyboard and let go. The great thing about writing is finding out what you know and think. It doesn’t have to be a task you put off until you are better prepared. You will never be better prepared than now.

How to Write books are fine for getting ideas and inspiration but the best thing one can do is just write. Put pen to paper or fingers to a keyboard and let go. The great thing about writing is finding out what you know and think. It doesn’t have to be a task you put off until you are better prepared. You will never be better prepared than now.