On the path to healing, journaling can be a very powerful tool of
self-discovery. It provides us a venue to release things we may otherwise keep
bottled up. It allows us to creatively express our ideas, organize our
thoughts, and allow us to review our progress.

Below is a list of healing journaling exercises designed to draw out inner
feelings, uncover hidden thoughts/beliefs that may be hindering the healing
process, and help you set realistic goals for yourself.

How do I see myself?

Close your eyes for a few moments, and pay attention to what comes to mind as
you think, "this is how I see myself". Write down or draw any symbolism, colors,
shapes, etc that come to mind. What feelings come up? What does the symbology
say to you?

How do I want to see myself?

Close your eyes for a few minutes. Envision yourself at peak health, physically,
emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Write down or sketch out any symbolism,
colors, shapes etc. Describe yourself, including your surroundings, your
feelings, and your thoughts.

The person I most admire and why

Name a person who inspires you. What about this person do you admire most? What
qualities do they embody that you would like to see more of in yourself? What
unique contribution has he/she made to the world, and how has this affected you?

The person I least admire and why

Name a person whose actions and/or attitudes you question. How do you allow this
person to affect you? What does he/she do that really bothers you and why? Does
this person embody something that you have a hard time accepting within
yourself?

Comparing and contrasting

It is said that what we see in others we cannot recognize if we don't also
recognize at least some aspect of it within ourselves. We are all mirrors
reflecting each other to varying degrees. Keeping this in mind reflect on the
person(s) in the previous exercises that you admire the most and the least. What
characteristics of these people do you see also within yourself? How does this
manifest and how does this make you feel?

Word Association:

For the following people, write the first word that comes to your mind. Don't
put a lot of thought into it; just write the first word that comes to your mind
for each one. If one is not applicable, skip it and move on to the next. If
there are people who you would also like to include, feel free to add them to
the list.

Spouse

Mother

Father

Grandmother

Grandfather

My Best Female Friend

My Best Male Friend

My Nearest Neighbor

My Pet

Me

Once you have done this exercise with all of the people you wish to include,
reflect on your answers. Who received the most positive response? Were any of
your answers critical? If so what does this say to you? Are their issues that
need to be forgiven with this person(s)?

The above exercises are a good start for those who want to use writing as a
healing tool on their journey of self-discovery. Writing and the power of the
written word should never be underestimated; they can help us change our
destiny.

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Christin Snyder is a Spiritual Guidance Coach, Author, and Speaker. Visit her
Website at http://www.dailypowerwords.com to learn more about her healing
techniques and her new whole life series "Mother Nature Knows