Recently I was approached by a kind representative of the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance asking me if she could write a guest post for my blog. Naturally I agreed. I was both touched by her opinion of my blog and moved by her motivation to help others.
Before reading this there are three things you should consider:
1) I did not write this, but I agree with every word
2) Writing- clearly- is my escape and I whole heartedly encourage others to find an escape in it too
3) I do not believe in posting my personal life issues on this blog, but know that this matter is very close to my heart.
Creating the Life You Want With Words, Melanie Bowen.
A journal can be a place of solace. It can be a place to express your feelings, fears and dreams without worrying about anyone else judging you for those things. A journal can be a way to track your progress during challenges. Major illness can definitely be one of those challenges in which keeping a journal can be a helpful and healthy thing. Sitting in a doctor’s office and being told a shocking mesothelioma prognosis or that you have a chronic illness such as pancreatitis can be a shattering, life-changing moment. However, keeping a journal during your health journey can provide you with a place to find your feet and, amazingly, hope for the future.
Improve Your Health Through Writing
As surprising as it might seem, there is actual scientific evidence that keeping a journal and writing can improve your health. University of Texas at Austin researcher and psychologist James Pennebaker discovered that journaling on a regular basis strengthens the immune system.
Writing and journaling also has been shown to improve mental health in a number of ways. Numerous researchers have found that journal-keeping reduces stress levels in individuals facing dramatic health issues. For many years, therapists have contended that journaling allows people to gain clarity about issues in their life and a method to come to terms with events in their life. This process alone can help improve depression and anxiety symptoms for many people.
Find Your True Happiness in a Journal
Journal writing is also a way to come to a deeper understanding of yourself and what makes you truly happy. This can be especially important in facing major health issues. For many individuals with life-changing health issues, there comes a time when you start thinking about what you really want to accomplish and would really make you happy. A journal is a great place to start exploring those ideas and goals.
When you think back to things that have made you happiest in the past, ask yourself when was the last time you did any of those things. Was there something specific about that activity that made you happy or filled you with joy? Are there other things you could do that would bring those wonderful feelings to you in another way?
As part of your journal writing, do a little brainstorming. Make up a list of all the places you want to see. Make a list of things you would love to learn. Make a list of people you want to meet. Make a list of people you haven’t seen in years, but really want to reconnect with. Are any of these things that you could do right now? What do you need to do to make them happen?
Before you know it, you will find yourself with an entire list of things to do and look forward to every day. The simple act of writing these things down will make you more likely to actually make them happen and accomplish them. Once you accomplish one goal, then add something new to your list.
The wonderful thing about this kind of journal keeping is that it gives you a map. Do you remember the movie “The Bucket List?” Morgan Freeman was slowly sinking into misery until Jack Nicholson pushed him to start living for now and doing things. Suddenly, Morgan was happier, full of energy and had a purpose in life again. You see, Jack had figured out a secret about living. If you write things down, you will do them. Write your list. Find your happiness. Find your hope and live for today.
Check out a lot more information on illness and wellness at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.
I am proud to have shared this on my page, and hope that my readers consider it as educational and moving as I did.
No comments:
Post a Comment