Patrice's Story Writing Therapy
"I lost my husband John two years ago. After he died, I was forced to sell our home - I just couldn't keep up with all the housework myself. My son wanted me to come and live with him, but he lives four hours away, so I decided to move to a senior housing complex. During those first few months in my new apartment, I felt lost. With John being gone, I felt like I had no one to talk to. He and I always sat at the breakfast table to read the morning paper and talk over whatever was on our minds.
I told my friend Nancy how strange it was to have no one around the house to talk to. She suggested that I try keeping a journal. She said that it helped her after she lost her husband. She said that I could write in it just like I was talking to John, almost like writing him a letter. I liked that idea- John and I used to exchange letters when he was in the service.
So, I started writing letters to John, only I didn't send them. I kept them in a notebook. I wrote about my days, the family, and everything going on in the world. It felt good to get ideas out of my head and onto paper. It actually helped me to sleep better, because I didn't have all these thoughts floating around my head. I would recommend keeping a journal to anyone who feels like they need someone to talk to."
To start your own journal, start by clicking on What is a Journal? above. Also, be sure to check out Tips and Extras on the right side of your screen.