Embracing Freedom
The art of letting go through therapeutic journaling
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Dear Friend
How are you today?
Welcome to my Sunday WORD:ship, where the art of journaling meets the tranquility of a restful Sunday. If you’re like me seeking solace and self-discovery through the written word, you’ve found your haven here.
As we get ready to go “back to school”, back to work, back to our normal routines, is there anything in particular that’s been holding you back? Is there anything you’d like to “let go” of this week?
For me, I’ve realised that I need to let go of feeling guilty, especially when I’ve chosen to take the time to relax, to slow down and embrace a digital detox. I’ve found it quite challenging to switch off from my usual busyness these past few days. Ridiculous I know.
Here’s the thing, to really indulge in rest, I have to escape to a remote part of West Wales, where I choose to be “off grid”, walk for miles along the rugged coastline and lose myself in a stack of books, far far away from the maddening crowds and the relentless notifications pinging on my phone.
So this week, I’m going to try and let go of the guilt, especially as I travel back home to Cardiff tomorrow after a week staying in the House on the Beach. I wonder how I’ll get on?! Will I manage to rest on an average day back home?
Do you ever feel guilty about relaxing? Do you ever feel bad about taking time out to read a book, or an afternoon nap or write in your journal?
Letting go can be one of the most challenging yet liberating experiences we face in life. It can require a deep sense of self-awareness, courage and trust in the unknown. Whether it’s releasing past hurts, relinquishing control over outcomes, or freeing g ourselves from limiting beliefs, the ability to let go opens the door to new possibilities and personal growth.
Thank goodness for the practice of therapeutic journaling, because for me it serves as a powerful tool to navigate the process of letting go with intention and compassion. I relax and feel in flow every time I journal. Through reflection, exploration and self-expression, you too can uncover the courage within yourself to release what no longer serves you. You can, over time, through daily journaling learn how to embrace the freedom that comes with surrender.
One day, you’ll look back over your journal entries and reflect over the stuff you’ve let go of and wonder why you didn’t let go sooner.
As it's Sunday WORD:ship, please help yourself to the following prompts, I hope it encourages you to ‘let go’ of something that’s been holding you back recently.
1. Reflect on something from your past that you’ve been holding onto. What emotions arise when you think about letting go of this? Write about your fears, hopes and intentions surrounding this release.
2. Explore the reason why you’re hesitant to let go of certain beliefs or habits that no longer serve you. What beliefs or stories are you telling yourself about holding onto these things?
3. Consider the potential benefits of letting go. How might releasing this burden create space for new opportunities, growth and joy in your life?
4. Reflect on times in the past when you’ve successfully let go of something. What did you do? How did you feel? How could you apply the same techniques now?
5. Imagine your ideal future without the weight of what you’re holding onto. How does it feel to be your future self living freely and authentically?
"The only way to make room for what's meant for you, is to let go of what isn’t”
If you’d like to learn more about the wellbeing benefits of therapeutic journaling, I’ve curated a roundup of some of my recent journaling focused posts, handpicked to nurture your spirit and inspire you to journal. Consider this a gift - an invitation to dive deeper into the transformative power of therapeutic journaling.
Hopefully you’ll enjoy exploring some of my more personal journaling techniques. Some of which are an introduction to what I teach on my program "Rage on a Page" and at my "Journal with Ease" Thursday Club - which paid subscribers get access to.
You’ll also be able to glean insights from my most popular top tips, helping you to find time to journal amidst the busyness of life. Plus, discover some of my favourite journaling tools that have become trusted companions on my own journey with therapeutic journaling. Please help yourself to the following articles…
Unlocking Creativity with just one word a day
The Write Tools enhancing your journaling experience
Busting the Time Myth making room for what really matters
Back to Basics establishing your journaling ritual
It's Never Too Late women in their 70’s are starting to rage on a page
Couch to Journal learn how to make journaling a daily ritual
I dearly hope the above prompts and my recent articles serve as a gentles reminder to take it easy this Sunday. We seem to have forgotten how to truly '“let go”. If you have a busy day planned, squeeze in 10 minutes just before bedtime to journal, do something today that your future self will thank you for.
Until the next time
Take care and stay safe xx
What’s On ‘with ease’
There are only 4 spaces left on the Doing Hard Things with Ease and Stacey Heale day retreat. This is an amazing opportunity to learn how to reframe the hard moments in our lives, break through creative blocks and learn techniques to access the healing power of expressive writing. Friday 14th June. Oxfordshire.
Just launched… the next series of Rage on a Page - An 8 week online program that helps women learn how to channel their emotions into something more positive and creative, through the practice of therapeutic journaling. I’m looking to work with 4 women and the program starts early June.
I’m hosting therapeutic journaling workshops at The Big Retreat Festival between 24th-27th May 2024. I have a 20% discount code if you’ve like to attend.
For more information on any of the above please email me hello@easeretreats.com
About me… I’m Tanya Lynch, a mother, a ridgeback owner and the founder of Ease Retreats. I love what I do, collaborating with authors and creatives, hosting retreats in beautiful venues across the UK. I’m also a therapeutic journaling coach and through my program Rage on a Page, I help midlife women channel their emotions into something more positive and creative in less than 60 days. Each Thursday I host an online journaling club called Journal with Ease and it’s free for paid subscribers to attend. If you have any questions about the benefits of therapeutic journaling, please reach out and connect. I’m usually on a beach walking the dogs, hosting retreats or hanging out here on Substack.