Giving Sorrow Words: The Practice of Journaling Through Grief
Journaling has been an age-old practice used to express thoughts and feelings during difficult times. Writing can allow us to organize our thoughts so they don’t feel so overwhelming. A journal can become a friend — a place to express emotional pain you might not feel comfortable expressing to others.
The act of thinking intentionally about what you’re feeling can help you sort those feelings out and come to an understanding of how to handle them. Journaling is not only writing about the negative, but reflecting on the positive, which can boost your mood. Just the act of slowing down to write has been shown to be beneficial in managing stress.
Writing can be a gift we give to ourselves. Here are a few things to consider before you start:
- Buy yourself an attractive journal.
- Understand there are no rules for journaling. There are no rights or wrongs.
- Try to quiet yourself before writing. Prepare your environment for relaxation.
- Try not to censor yourself. Tell it like it is.
- If you are comfortable, write in a free-flowing style.
- Write letters to your loved one in your journal.
You can use some of the following prompts to start writing:
- Today, I miss …
- This experience is teaching me …
- I’m struggling most with …
- This memory of you makes me smile …
- A regret that I have is …
- One thing I learned from you …
- To keep myself healthy, I will …
- I am learning …
Please remember that there are no rules in journaling. You don’t have to write every day. Don’t write for anyone else but yourself. You can be creative. You can draw in your journal instead of writing. As you move forward in your grief journey, you may be amazed to look back at earlier entries and realize how much you have progressed and grown.
If you need additional grief support, please reach out to our Pathways of HopeSM Grief Counseling Centers.
Ohio’s Hospice offers grief and bereavement support through our Pathways of HopeSM Grief Counseling Centers, which provide a variety of services to the communities we serve. Support and education are provided by a team of counselors and social workers, all with significant experience and expertise in assisting grieving children, adolescents and adults.
