07 Sep When Emotions Take Over, Try Intentional Journaling For Relief & Answers
Hi Lovely,
I’m a crier. I cry at romantic movies. I cry during children’s movies (Pete’s Dragon, anyone?) And I cry during sappy commercials. That Sarah McLachlan commercial with those heartbreaking pets from SPCA gets me every time!
The tears I shed during videos and films are usually short-lived and not as intense as when I feel a deep sense of personal loss or anger.
Maybe you can relate.
There’s a lot we can do when we feel intense emotions. Some actions are healthy, and some – not so much. We can punch pillows, kick punching bags, down a pint of ice cream, swig a glass of rosé or take out our aggression on another, to name a few.
I’ve learned over time that the ice cream, glass of rosé, punching bag and even the person on the other end of my rage can’t give me answers or calm me down for very long. Plus, I feel crummy afterwards.
Questions I usually want answers to are:
“Why is this happening to me?”
“Why did she/he do that or say that to me?”
“Why me??”
What do you do when you feel emotions so intensely AND you want answers?
I recommend grabbing a pen and paper or your computer and… journal.
Not just journaling. Journaling with intention and with a formula.
Here’s my journaling formula for relief, release and the answers you’ve been seeking…
Intentional Journaling for Emotional Relief & Answers
Step 1: Write down your thoughts and feelings
Allow yourself to feel every feeling you’re experiencing versus suppressing your feelings. As you feel your feelings, write down each thought that comes to your mind without editing them. You’re not going to share what you’ve written. This exercise is for only for you to help process what is taking up a lot of brain space and occupying your time.
For example, you may be thinking,”How DARE he say something like that to me? Doesn’t he know how ridiculous and unfair he sounds?! I’m so mad at him…”
Step 2: Access your highest self
Once you have written down all of your thoughts and feelings, then ask your highest self for answers. This is the part of you that is wise, loving and kind. If you believe in a higher power, then ask that higher power for counsel. Then listen and write down everything that comes to you without editing. This isn’t a time to question what you’re experiencing – just listen and write.
Typically, the words that come to you have a more loving tone that what you experienced in Step 1. For example, you may hear, “Jennifer, everything is going to be ok. You may not know what is happening right now or why, but I’ve got you. Keep moving forward and forgive her. She is going through a difficult time…”
Once this step is complete, I’m usually in a much more calm and loving space.
Step 3: Express gratitude
After I write down everything my highest self expresses, then I write begin writing what I’m grateful for. Typically, I thank my highest self for its love and kindness. I also write down all of the positive aspects to the negative situation I was experiencing.
Gratitude is extremely powerful and can change your mood from anger and anxiety to one of calm and peace.
When you use this formula, you’ll tap into a powerful source for guidance, clarity and divine love.
Incredible relief and results can happen in as little as 5 minutes.
Once you follow this method, you’ll begin to crave it all of the time – not just when you’re crying.
I’m curious…have you used a similar journaling formula before? Is this something you’ll try this week? Please let me know in the comments below.
Here’s to an amazing week full of intention, relief and answers!
Much love,
Jennifer