Journaling is Therapeutic
A women breast cancer journey can be a time of reflection, a time to express fears, hopes, and even dreams. Journaling is a very private experience and writing in a journal can be a safe place where she can vent frustration and say things that may not be well received. Many times by writing down thoughts and feelings, a woman can gain a sense of inner peace. Regardless of whether you take pen to paper or use your computer, journaling can be very therapeutic and a powerful tool toward healing.
In the past ten years, more than two dozen studies from laboratories around the world have confirmed the findings that subjects who wrote about their traumas and stresses drastically reduced their doctors’ visits and enjoyed improvements in overall health. The results showed improved immune function and improved liver enzyme function. Long-term benefits in mood were also found in subjects who wrote about their traumas. “Coping: The Psychology of What Works,” by Smyth and Pennebaker.
There are no rules for writing in a journal. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar or punctuation. Journaling is like sharing your feelings with your dearest friend knowing you will never be judged and will never give away your secret thoughts. Some write every day, several times a day or when ever the mood hits. Explore both the positives and negatives of your cancer experience. Relate your battle with cancer to other experiences in your life, your childhood and your relationships. Writings can reflect on the person you are, and the person you want to be. It’s a great time to make plans for the future and all the things you still want to do in your life.
Breast Friends co-founder, Becky Olson, speaks about her “List of Things to Do Before I Die” in her book The Hat That Saved My Life. When given a 60% chance of living to 5 years after her first breast cancer diagnosis, Becky knew she needed goals to keep her going. Her trick is checking off those activities or achievements and adding more to the list. That was 10 years ago; she continues to add to her list today. None of use knows when our ticket is up, so this is a great idea for all of us to live life to its fullest.
