I love writing! Years ago, I learned about a writer/artist, Julia Cameron. I read most of her books and began to journal. Inspired by her work, I do something many mornings I call, "garbage out." That is, I free-write anything and everything that comes up in my word processer. Most days I do not keep those entries....but I find that when I am finished, I feel better...almost a freedom of sorts or maybe some type of brain chemistry change occurs.
Throughout my pancreatic and breast cancers, I was so anxious, that I began to write prayers on my trips down to Mayo Clinic from Eagan. Yes, I wrote in my car...one hand on the wheel and one on the paper. (No, I don't do that anymore!) The prayers helped as did recording them on paper. In 2014, a book I wrote was published. (That was not my intent when I wrote the prayers...I merely needed to help myself process the pain, grief, uncertainty, etc.)
Since then, I began to study writing at MN State University in Red Wing. Though it took longer than I intended, I finished the program (Creative Writing Certificate) and will graduate in May. I learned so much and continue to learn through writing. Yes, I have had other things published, but again, that was never my goal...just thankful someone else wanted to read what I wrote.
Back to journaling for health.....yes, it helps me. Yes, it is a valid tool. It helps to change my brain chemistry and I still need that with my chronic, unrelenting anxiety that has decided to make it's permanent home within in.
Thank you for providing this safe space for me to tell you that journaling and writing has helped me cope with so much of the "stuff of life."
P.S. I am not on any author's or organization's payroll. 🙂