JournalTalk | Write4Life

Mari Adkins from Journaling Journey asks, “What do you do when you’re burned-out from journal-writing, and how do you get going again?” After some personal discussion about project management, and some Wings Life Coaching from my co-host Jayde Gilmore, we share our strategies for this familiar feeling of being overwhelmed or stuck in our journaling practice. We each […]

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Daughter of two bookworms, Jenna Mayhew cofounded an international counseling clinic called Write As Rain. She treats clients all over the world, using evidence-based methods of written word therapy. In other words, she is something like a Pen Pal Therapist! Warning: This conversation is another of those which became fun to the point of giggly! Jenna and I weaved through the interview […]

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We’ve heard the 101 reasons to keep a journal, and all the benefits of journal-writing: mental clarity, emotional balance, even physical healing. Today’s question addresses HOW journaling can provide all these benefits. Kim Ades from Frame of Mind Coaching helps me deconstruct the journaling process, and identify what it is about capturing thoughts that makes journaling so […]

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Did you know that journal-writing can be used to further your career and develop valuable leadership skills? In this episode, meet Gina Rae Hendrickson, a friend and colleague whose company, Genius Leadership Tools, helps bring out the genius in you and your team. Together, we interview the Santa Barbara Chief of Police, Camarino Sanchez. Chief […]

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The traumatic student shooting in Columbine, Colorado (April 1999). Racial tragedies such as those in Charleston, South Carolina (2015) and Ferguson, Missouri (2014). The Los Angeles race riots of 1992. The World Trade Center collapse of 9/11.  Events so profoundly sad and far-reaching inspire many people turn to their journals for reflection, prayer, grieving, and hope. Is it possible […]

The post Q&A: “How Can We Use Journaling for Healing After Community Tragedy?” first appeared on Write4Life.

JournalTalk has offered me the pleasure of interviewing some interesting people. People who have developed a habit of asking themselves tough questions, listening to the voice(s) within, and staying present to the answers that unfold. This week’s guest is a great example of such a guy. Thai Nguyen writes with a candid, authentic voice. His articles […]

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In the first session of every journal-writing workshop I teach, we spend a little time sharing (and debunking!) the myths and rumors we’ve all heard about “the rules” of proper journal-keeping. So when I saw this question online, I knew I had to make an episode about it. Should I start a certain way? Does each entry […]

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Journal-writing can’t get any easier than this. Checking in with your feelings — being aware of what’s alive inside you — is the Ground Zero for living a life of passion, clarity and purpose. In this episode, I interview Jim Kleiber, a leader in helping people do just that. Jim has quite a few inspiring stories to share, and […]

The post For Those With Absolutely NO TIME To Keep a Journal… first appeared on Write4Life.

Mapping the inner journey. Mindful reflection. Developing awareness. Sharpening perception. These are some of the ways people refer to their writing practice. Is it true that journal-writing can be used as a kind of meditation? Jayde and I take turns with examples we have used, and share ways that have helped others. For example: incorporate […]

The post Q&A: “How Can Journaling Be Used As Meditation?” first appeared on Write4Life.

Recovering from pneumonia was precisely the reminder I needed to breathe deeply, and move forward on my most important projects in a steady, self-compassionate pace. Before then, I had been burning the candle at both ends, pushing myself to work harder, faster and smarter than ever. Now that I’m healthy and getting back into my […]

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It seems like every subject in school is requiring students to keep a “journal” for enhanced learning. My first reaction to this awareness was happy. But I wonder whether students can be truly honest, while they are also hoping their teachers will award them a good grade? Doesn’t this violate some of the defining characteristics of […]

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Here’s a short episode to share that I’m feeling much better, and on the mend! Sarabelle Prince, a colleague of mine through the Center for Journal Therapy, shared a very unusual cold remedy with me, which worked wonders. She also shares a great opportunity to take part in a summer Journal Camp. (JournalTalk, Episode #55, May 12, 2015) Subscribe to […]

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Joyce asked a beautiful journaling question: “How can I write in my journal in a way that I’ll enjoy re-reading my entries in years to come?” Seasoned journal-writers know that there’s a treasure chest full of good reasons to go back and re-read past journal entries. But often those gems of wisdom are hard to locate among […]

The post Q&A: “What Kind of Journal-Writing Makes for the Best Future Reading?” first appeared on Write4Life.

What’s the connection between the mind and the body when it comes to writing? How might moving our bodies affect the way we feel, think, and express ourselves through language? JournalTalk listeners are in for a treat this week. Elizabeth Schwyzer, freelance writer, newspaper arts editor, and dance critic, shares a special exercise in this […]

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Carol from New Zealand asks “What do I do with the guilty feelings I get when I stop journaling?” It might be easy to quip, “Just process those feelings in your next journal entry,” but often, the shame is accompanied by unrealistic hopes of “catching up,” and then we avoid journaling altogether. Jayde Gilmore and I both relate […]

The post Q&A: “What To Do With Journaling Guilt?” first appeared on Write4Life.

Does keeping a journal encumber your vacation, or enhance it? Lavinia Spalding agrees wholeheartedly that journaling on vacation deepens one’s travel experience. But because we understand the inherent challenges, we offer simple, practical tips for travel journaling without feeling like you’re missing the boat. Lavinia Spalding is the author of Writing Away, A Creative Guide to Awakening the Journal-Writing Traveler (named one of the best […]

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Today’s question from Mark is one of terminology. What do you call a person who helps others achieve new insights and accomplishments, using the power of journal-writing? Is it a Journal Coach? or a Journal Therapist? We could have also discussed the role of Journal Facilitator (which I am currently studying at The Center for […]

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As soon as I bought her book, “Getting Real“, I knew I wanted to invite Dr. Susan Campbell to be a guest on JournalTalk. I’ve often shared that the one thing you need for a healthy journal-writing habit — far more important than whether you type or handwrite, or whether you write daily or just sporadically — […]

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By far, Tom has sent in the toughest journaling question I’ve been called upon to answer. You can even hear my subtle attempts to avoid it. With co-host Jayde Gilmore, I wandered into the wilderness of related side-conversations: Grief, gratitude, trance writing, loving-what-is, depression, and comparing the various levels of journal certification to reiki! We may have even stumbled over the inspiration for […]

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Proving once again that journal-writing is NOT just an introverted, navel-gazing activity, Carolyn Koehnline shows us how to use our journals to remove clutter from our homes, heads, hearts and schedules. Author of “Confronting Your Clutter”, a practicing mental health counselor, and Certified Journal Therapist, Carolyn guides us toward our compassionate inner voice to support us through transitions. […]

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