JOURNAL WRITING
A journal is a notebook where individuals record their experiences, ideas, reflections, and insights about their lives, struggles and spiritual journeys. "Taking time to write (nearly) every day can provide us with a vital documentation of Christ's work in our lives," writes psychologist Donald Lichi. Journaling can help us keep things in perspective, especially in times of stress or decision making. Some people use journaling to record their spiritual reflections, insights from their Bible reading, or commentaries on the events in their lives. Counseling or coaching clients can be encouraged to write as a way to think through what they are learning or to ponder steps that will take them forward.
Is journeying essential for growth or recovery? Not according to John Ortberg in his excellent new book The Me I Want to Be. Sometimes Ortberg asks audiences how many do not like to journal. Every time he is amazed not only at the number of hands that go up (the majority) but by the "speed and vehemence" with which hands are thrust into the air. Jesus never journaled, Ortberg notes, and neither did Abraham, Moses or Ruth. Throughout most of history people grew without ever picking up a pen and paper - partly because there were no writing supplies. C. S. Lewis stopped keeping a journal when he became a Christian because he concluded that the practice was making him preoccupied with himself.
Most of us realize (but sometimes we forget) that people don't all grow in the same ways. Psychological and spiritual growth are not hand-crafted, writes Ortberg. "We get frustrated when we think that everyone is supposed to look like the pastor or the author or whoever is teaching us at the moment." Journaling is one of many methods that can help with growth. If it works, it can be very useful - especially if it does not become a burdensome and demanding task that weighs us down. If journaling is not helpful it might be best to try something else.
Krzysztof from Poland Says:
Thank you for your helpful suggestions!