Journaling was my only source of support during my childhood and adolescence. So it's very natural to me and I write nearly every morning. It's a whole universe I've created just for myself. Nothing is off limits there. I'm especially grateful to have saved all my journals over the years so I can look back and see patterns or how much I've grown
4 days ago
| 16
I had a diary as a young girl and then I think when I realized others could read my thoughts I stopped. YEARS later when I had so many emotions, ANGER and burnout, I found myself picking up the pen again. I had to get it all out. When I realized I didn't know where to start and I had too much, I also realized around 45 yrs old that I probably needed help with a therapist, but I was embarrassed to 'need' help so I waited another year (after depression had set in). Oh I wish I did that sooner. A Christian counselor helped me understand emotion (name them) and he helped me learn anger sometimes is a sum of ALL of unprocessed emotions. He told me anger is OK--it's a warning to us when people mistreat us. (I always thought anger was 'bad' so would ignore it or pretend I wasn't). Anyway, my counselor helped me process, sort, deal with and express my emotions by talking and writing. I'm so grateful and yes, now my pen is in my hand daily for ALL of it! God is so good! Our emotions are meant to help us and when we learn to listen to them to better RESPOND with wisdom and discernment (not react), and practice choosing how to respond, we become healthier people. Thank you Tim for your videos. You have helped me understand so much too. I'm grateful for your channel.
3 days ago (edited) | 7
The practice originated after I gave my life to Christ at 18 and started taking notes at church. Then it was writing out my prayers and noting things that stood out regarding my life and relationships. Which turned into a practice and habit of writing in journals for over 40 yrs. I find it therapeutic and gives me the ability to process my emotions.
2 days ago | 1
I began writing in my “diary” as a child & have always found a sense of release & relief from doing so. I’m now in my 60’s & still practice journal writing daily. It helps to review my journals as a means to remind myself of how far I’ve come on the road less travelled. I’m now writing my memoir & I use my journals for reference. Writing & sharing the confusion & angst with myself has been paramount for healing. In my experience writing has been my lifeline & becoming my own therapist with meditation & writing has been a means for surviving the deluge of CPTSD. Thanks for your channel 😊💜
4 days ago | 11
I’ve kept a journal since I was a kid. What I write in it has evolved over the years. Sometimes it’s a todo list, sometimes I write out goals, my thoughts if I’m overwhelmed, sometimes I track stuff like how much water I drink or how many times I engage in a behavior of some sort. It’s been a useful outlet over the years and sometimes it’s fun to look back at journals from years past.
4 days ago | 7
Started journaling when I first remembered my childhood. I went into counseling and still counseling occasionally after 40 years. It’s a blessing as I talk to Jesus daily with pen or verbally.
4 days ago | 5
It is THE most simple yet profound thing I started doing about 5-6 months ago. It has made such a huge difference. Even when I’m laying down; if my mind is racing. I get up, flip on the lights, journal my thoughts. It works like a charm. Every single time.
2 days ago | 1
I write from time to time, at nights before bedtime. It gives me a much needed sense of relief of letting go, as if I've told my best friend about my day & everything in life.
3 days ago | 3
Depression lead me to journalling. To write down my anger which then lead to me chipping away at writing what I am grateful for.....I stuck with it for a while. I went back to it when I was confused in my relationship...I was tired of venting to my friends and had to spare them and find out answers on my own. I burn the notebooks when they are full because there is a lot of negativity in there... A lot of unfinished ideas.
3 days ago | 2
I started journaling to get the hamster on the wheel of my thoughts back on a leash. I first started with a “gratefulness” journal that had preprinted prompts. I don’t need that anymore and I just use a blank notebook. Journaling and “The Christian Meditation Podcast” have helped me to gain control over my thoughts and understand my emotions.
4 days ago | 3
I started writing about 20 years ago. I don’t hold myself to writing every day. It’s gotten much more creative over the years… silly stories, illustrations, quizzes about me with prizes at the end… it can be what you want it to be.
2 days ago | 1
My journaling is my prayers to the Lord most of the time. I pray at other times too but when I journal a lot of the time I am talking to Him and sorting out things.
4 days ago | 5
Journaling has literally been a life saver for me. I start with writing down my fears and resentments about the day or something that happened. If I'm writing about the childhood trauma I know it's going to be especially difficult so I know I have to be especially compassionate and kind with myself being sure not to go into too much detail so I don't become flooded but describing how the event made me feel. Its almost cleansing to get that stuff out.
3 days ago (edited) | 1
Principles that I received and found that get me pass by the blank page or mind. WRITE THE TRUTH Principles 1. Start with absolutely anything that comes to your mind. ANY.THING (eg: if nothing comes to your mind at first, write that: nothing comes to my mind rn. Or, describe what you notice in your body or in your environment or in your mind/heart space) 2. Write about what blocks you 3. Write with curiosity, without expectations. Just write. 4. Write questions 5. What’s the truth in here? What do I feel? (Or: What is this actually about?) 6. Writing does not come with the obligation of action (or “doing something about it” once you see what the truth actually is in that situation or moment) 7. write messy, write wrongly, swear if you want. The paper accepts anything. It does not judge, does not grade, does not evaluate, does not compare. 8. Tear the paper. I can write about truths that I do not want to be seen. I have the option the shred the paper into pieces anytime. Burn it. I write about the truth instead of hiding from it and then I get rid of the evidence :)) 9. Cry, laugh, feel all that comes. And write about it. 10. Accept the changes of course. Follow inspiration. (Maybe you start with a topic and a new lane appears at some point. If you feel to make a right, don’t stay left just because “any reason here”.) 11. OWN YOUR TRUTH. Write on the first person: I feel, I fear, I see, I believe, etc. Write YOUR own truth. It is a good filter to see if that truth belongs to you or not. Sorry if my English is a little bad, not my first language. Hope you find it practical cause that’s exactly what these principles gave me: use any of it until you get “unstuck” and pass the anxiety of the blank paper or scuba diving into your depths
3 days ago (edited) | 5
I would LOVE to journal, but I live in a household of extremely toxic, nosey people that do not respect boundaries. It wouldn't be safe.... 😔
3 days ago | 5
Writing and journaling began blooming in my life after I asked Jesus Christ to be the Lord of my life. It's a natural gift for me. But one thing that caused by my writing inspiration to bloom abundantly is when I began to journal to worship music, which I'm passionate about. I would write Down what I heard between the words of the song - the God vibes that spoke to my heart what I needed for that day or season of life, spoke to me by God The Holy Spirit, The Comforter. Many other times I journaled the emotions of troublesome situations, and this gave me emotional, mental relief, and brought clarity, insight and wisdom........
4 days ago | 2
I really hate journaling, it brings out the worst in me. I get judgemental over it, disappointed, and impatient with the process. I do better talking to myself, out loud sometimes.
4 days ago | 3
I stopped writing as a kid because my sister read it to made fun of me. Decades later, I started to write because my whole family failed me, betrayed me and I had no one to talk to and at first it was a way to release pressure and anger. I have lost the pleasure of writing short fictional stories because of my cptsd. I wish I could regain it without thinking of publishing or just make my own biography because I have been so demonized by my narc family I have lost my self image but every time I try to write I star to feel sick in some way. I think I have fulfilled my parents prophecy about me and that is keeping me frozen. It's like if your whole universe crumbles and you can just see rubles everywhere.
4 days ago | 4
I don’t journal. However, I do express my thoughts and feelings through improvisational music. I find music to be nonjudgmental. I play a wide variety of instruments, as well as sing. I find singing in different tones and pitches to be more helpful for me. Finding the right words to sing can be stressful, when I’m already trying to release emotions or negative thoughts. I compose music when I’m upset, sad, and even when I’m happy.
3 days ago | 1
I journaled regularly when I was a child, adolescent, and into college. Once I acquired a smartphone however, I think I slowly forsook it. I sometimes type out my thoughts in my notes app, and I also record voice memos processing my thoughts when I’m going through challenges. However, I think I may try returning to the old-fashioned approach again soon.
1 day ago | 1
Tim Fletcher
✍️ We all experience moments when our thoughts become overwhelming or when we struggle to make sense of our feelings. Journaling offers a gentle space where you can pour out these emotions without judgment. Whether you're celebrating victories or processing challenges, putting your experiences on paper can help you find clarity and peace. Many of us have discovered that regular journaling reduces our stress levels, helps us sleep better, and gives us valuable insights into our own patterns and needs. Even a few minutes spent writing can become a form of self-care that honors your journey and nurtures your wellbeing.
Do you keep a journal? What led you to start—or what's held you back?
For those of you who've made journaling a regular practice, we're curious: What first inspired you to pick up that pen? How has putting your thoughts on paper transformed your daily life, emotional well-being, or self-understanding?
And if you've discovered techniques that make journaling more meaningful or approachable, please share! Many people feel intimidated by the blank page or worry about "doing it wrong." Your wisdom might be exactly what someone needs to begin their own journaling practice. 💜
4 days ago | [YT] | 168