Journal Your Journey

One of the best ways to deal with grief is by writing down your emotions and memories, both positive and negative. Begin a journal today; your journal can be something as simple as a spiral notebook.

You may not be ready to tell other people your feelings, but putting your emotions in writing will provide a release and help you through the first 30 days. In addition to providing an emotional catharsis, your journal will also act as a record of your experiences: In the coming weeks, reading old entries will provide a testament to how you’ve progressed during this difficult time. All of your thoughts, ideas, feelings, fears and dreams will be there for you as you continue your journey.

Think of the people, thoughts and actions that are helping you through. What are the things that you truly want for yourself? What are the things that you’re loved one would have wanted for you? Write the answers in your journal. Remember there’s no right or wrong way to journal; simply getting your thoughts on paper will help you cope.

DID YOU KNOW? Journaling has been scientifically proven to improve your physical health. According to the Journal of American Medicine, journaling has made a significant difference in patients with a variety of diseases, including improving lung function in asthma patients by 19% asthma and reducing symptoms in arthritis patients by 28%.