|
Dealing with and expressing one's emotions can be difficult. Voicing them can be impossible. Yet as we deal with our painful pasts or face life's ordeals, it can be the most important thing we do for ourselves.
While talking with others about your deepest feelings can be very helpful, however, everyone is not comfortable baring their souls in such manner. In addition, not everyone is lucky to have someone they can talk to.
Writing can be a truly beneficial alternative. The simple act of writing down thoughts and feelings about particularly stressful events in your life, past or present. You can say whatever you want to, no judgment being passed down onto you, no right or wrong, just your words, feelings, and emotions on a piece of paper. No one ever needs to see it unless you want them to. You are your own safety net.
Writing will allow you to deal with painful, intrusive thoughts in a constructive way. You will receive more insights as you continue to write (especially if you are in counseling), and as you reflect and ponder about what you have written. When we are in touch with our feelings, we are being real with ourselves.
James Pennebaker, Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas, developed a model for research purposes. The model consists of several writing exercises with an emphasis on expressing one's emotions. It has been shown in numerous experiments conducted by him and his colleagues that this simple procedure leads to improvements in physical health.
Another study by Pennebaker reported at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association in August 2001, looked at the role of journal writing in helping people cope with job loss at mid-life. Persons who wrote out their feelings about job loss for a period of 20 minutes a day for five days were more likely to be working again when followed up eight months later, in comparison to those who did not do the writing exercise. These findings suggested that putting feelings down on paper may help to get rid of feelings of anger or other negative emotions and allow a person to move forwards towards constructive action.
Often times the most difficult part of writing is the getting started part. Since there is no right or wrong way to do this, just grab your favorite writing instrument, a piece of paper (or a note book), find a comfortable place to sit, and start writing. Just remember to be honest about what you feel. Remember: no one sees this if you do not want them to, this is your time to let it all out, to unburden your soul.
If you are thinking about writing out your feelings - especially those that have to do with negative events in your life - it's a good idea to do so under the guidance of someone who's experienced in doing this, and who will be able to assist you if any problems arise. A trusted friend or family member is one possible ally. If you think this might be very upsetting for you, but still want to go ahead and give it a try, then be sure to consult with a trained mental health professional before going ahead. A mental health professional can provide adequate follow-up care if problems arise unexpectedly.
|
| 123PAGE 1 |
| Copyright © 2008 Zo Francis |
All Rights Reserved. RainTiger.com | 2008 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Copyright © 2004—2008. RainTiger, Inc. ® All Rights Reserved. |
Priscilla Lalisse Website