I know many people who use these words to describe their routine daily life: “overwhelmed, stressed out, not enough time, there’s always something going on.” This can intensify even more when we are in the midst of difficult circumstances like divorce, death, loss of a job, or any life changing event.

But do you know how to connect to your deepest self at these times?

Recording and reflecting on your thoughts and feelings actually can help. Think about it. It is absolutely surprising how you feel better and find yourself calming down when you attend to yourself through the written word.

The very act of sitting down in a quiet place with a notebook and pen can relax your physical system whether you are stressed from too many outside activities, unstable relationships, or internal pressures.

There is always a 10 minute window somewhere in your day. I bet there is one right now. It doesn’t matter if you are:

• writing to-do lists

• deciding on priorities

• recording your feelings

• trying to find a new perspective on a problem

Committing words to paper empties out the brain and heart chatter. You write your thoughts and feelings on the page and they are released outward. Now you begin to have a clearer sense of things.

As your journaling coach I will show you how to use various writing tools to reduce stress levels, lessen overpowering feelings, and begin to hear or know inside what is the next best step for you to take. Yet, you have to want to make this commitment to yourself. There are many ways we distract ourselves from living our lives from our own authority and end up blaming our circumstances.

Writing internal dialogues, doing perspective writes, or allowing our stream of consciousness to flow onto the page can be good for your health: emotional, physical and spiritual. Take the time to discover your voice, tell your truth, revitalize unspoken dreams and “Know Thyself.” Before you get started you might want to know all the possible benefits of keeping a journal. Find the one that matters most to you.