Writing Your Truth

By using therapeutic journaling as a springboard

Dear friend 

How are you today?

Do you have that "Thank Goodness It’s Friday” feeling?  Ooh and here in the UK we have a long weekend to look forward to, as it’s Bank Holiday Monday next week.  I’m super excited, because I’ll be hosting a Memoir Writing Day Retreat with my dear friend

Clover Stroud

, in beautiful Chipping Norton. I just love the Cotswolds. I can’t wait to see Clover, our last retreat was back in July just before she moved to Washington DC, where she is thriving!  To follow her amazing adventures, you should check out her Substack, and in case you didn’t know, her latest memoir The Giant on the Skyline is out now.

If I’ve learnt anything from collaborating with memoirists like Clover and Cathy Rentzenbrink, is that everyone has a story to tell, and everyone’s story matters.

In the chaos of life, it’s easy to overlook the power of our own stories.  Yet nestled within our own little lives are countless moments of triumph, resilience and growth waiting to be unearthed and shared.  I have met so many amazing women on the various retreats I’ve hosted, who have extraordinary life stories desperately waiting to be written. Perhaps now more than ever, women’s stories matter!

Too often these stories remain untold, hidden beneath layers of doubt, fear or simply the busyness of life.  But what if I told you that your story has the power to inspire, heal and connect with others in ways you may never have imagined?  What if your experiences, however ordinary or extraordinary they may seem, hold the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of yourself and the community around you?

This is why I do what I do, hosting writing retreats with best selling authors and therapeutic journaling workshops both online and IRL.  I’ve witnessed so many women pour their hearts out onto the page, and all through the transformative power of journaling. 

Mainly because it is a safe space where they can explore the depths of their thoughts, emotions and experiences, free from judgement or expectation.  And when it comes to storytelling, therapeutic journaling is one of the best springboards to help you lean into the art of storytelling. It’s literally a place where you can embrace the power of your own narrative.

If you’re new to therapeutic journaling and keen to share your untold story, here are some top tips on how to get started…

1. Set Intentions - before you begin journaling, take a moment to set intentions for your practice. What do you hope to gain from exploring your story? Whether it’s clarity, healing or simply a sense of connection, clarifying your intentions can guide your journaling journey.

2.  Create a Safe Space - find a quiet, comfortable;e space where you feel free to express yourself openly and honestly.  Although, over time, you’ll be able to journal in the most noisiest of cafe's, on a busy train, or even in-between whilst meetings.  

3.  Start with Reflection - begin each journaling session, even if it’s just for 5 minutes, with a few moments of reflection.  Consider the events, emotions or themes that are present in your life at the moment and allow them to guide your writing.

4.  Write Freely - when journaling, give yourself permission to write any old rubbish and without inhibition.  Let your thoughts ‘rage on a page’ without worrying about grammar, spelling or punctuation.  This is your space to be raw, unfiltered, authentic and downright dirty on the page.

5. Explore Your Emotions - dive deep into the emotions that arise as you write.  What are you feeling? Really feeling?  Where do these emotions stem from?  Use your journal as a tool for emotional exploration.

6. Honour Your Truth - please believe me when I say that your story is uniquely yours, and it deserves to be told in your own voice.  Be honest and trust your truth has so much value and meaning.

7.  Embrace Vulnerability - remember that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength.  Allow yourself to be the real you in your writing. It’s takes time and patience for this to happen. Keep on keeping on!

8. Celebrate Milestones - take time to celebrate the small wins along your journaling journey.  Whether it’s keeping a consistent daily ritual, discovering a moment of clarity, or witnessing an “a-ha” moment. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what appears on the blank page.

9. Practice Self Compassion - please be gentle with yourself as you try and navigate the ups and downs of your storytelling. Offer yourself compassion and kindness, especially during times of self doubt.

10.  Share Your Story - finally consider sharing your story with a friend or loved one.  Whether it’s through publishing your writing here on Substack, or by speaking your truth out loud. Know that your story has the power to inspire, uplift and connect with your Substack sisterhood.  

I bet if you looked back over each of your decades you could list at least 5 interesting stories.  I dare you to try it.  Failing that here are a few journaling prompts to get you started…

1. Reflect on a pivotal moment in your life that has shaped who you are today.  What lessons did you learn from this experience?

2.  Write about a challenge you’ve overcome and the strengths you discovered within yourself along the way.

3. Explore the theme of resilience in your life.  When have you felt most resilient and what helped you get through the difficult times?

4.Reflect on a dream or an aspiration you hold for your future self.  What steps can you take to bring this dream to fruition?

5. Consider the legacy you want to leave behind. How do you hope your story will inspire and impact others around you?

Remember this, as you sit with your journal and reflect on the above top tips and prompts, your story is unique, valuable and worthy of being told.  I hope you find the courage, clarity and connection as you lean into the art of storytelling.  I guarantee that your story with resonate with at least one other person.  So what you waiting for, go journal!

Until the net time 

Takecare and stay safe xx

What’s On 'with ease'

Creative Unblocking Weekend Retreat with ease & Emma Gannon - only 1 bedroom left available.  16th-18th November 2024

Rage on a Page - next series now open for bookings, I’m looking to work with 4 women and there are 2 spaces left available. June 2024

Doing Hard Things with ease & Stacey Heale - 2 extra spaces just made available. We were thrilled to award a bursary place to one lucky guest earlier today.

The Big Retreat Festival - I’ll be hosting IRL “Rage on a Page” workshops alongside a mega lineup of wellbeing experts and creatives such as Ruby Wax, Gail Porter, Simon One, Dr Alex George and Gaz Oakley just to name a few. There are tickets still available, would love to see you there!