Healthy Living

The Healing Power of Journal Writing

There is a great deal of research across various fields of study including psychology, education, and healthcare that proves the efficacy of journaling and expressive writing for healing and well-being.

James Pennebaker, PhD, (2004) a research psychologist and author of Writing to Heal:  A Guided Journal for Recovering from Trauma & Emotional Upheaval conducted a study in the 1980’s with people who were dealing with trauma and emotional upheavals.  His research showed that individuals who wrote about their traumas needed less medical attention in the following months than they had previously.  His work clearly demonstrated a link between writing and health.

Read Lynda's entire article The Healing Power of Journal Writing

Lynda Monk, our official Self-Care Expert

Looking Deeper

Venice? No, Kansas City. Surprised? So was I when I discovered this charming neighborhood. Yes, it is true—this gorgeous setting is in the heart of America. It’s as beautiful as the gondolas in Italy, and almost identical to the River Seine in Paris, with its walkways and bridges. How nice to know such beauty exists so close to home. What else is going on right in our neighborhood or home or loved one’s life, the richness of which we might be missing?

A few years ago, while sleeping on the top of a houseboat on Lake Powell, far away from any city lights, I laid awake every night watching the stars for a long, long time. Every few minutes, I witnessed the thrill of a shooting star dashing across the magnificent Milky Way. I could hardly close my eyes, not wanting to miss the show.

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Judy Hansen, our official Guided Meditations Expert

Who is in your sphere of influence?

Who do you want to do life with?  Behavioural scientists suggest that we think, feel and act like the ten people we spend the most time with.  What type of people do you choose to spend your precious time with?  Are you drawn to optimistics, pessimists, make it happen folks, complainers, dreamers, artists, thought leaders, change agents, people who make you laugh?

Try this:

1) Make a list of the ten people you spend the most time with

Read Lynda's entire article Who is in your sphere of influence?

Lynda Monk, our official Self-Care Expert