What has surprised you, and captured your attention in your journal this month?
This week?
Today?
Please answer all three questions. Then, say why. Be thorough.
Stacy Duplease
Journalkeeper & Author
Journalkeeper & Author
* My Storykeeper Odyssey in 2013: Journaling & Memoir
* The Journaling & Storykeeping Encyclopedia of 2013
I've had alot of surprises that I've been jounaling about. I'm so excited.
ReplyDeleteWhat's wonderful about journaling is if you don't want someone to know what your secrets are, you are able to journal it.
How true that is. It is a relief. A journal is a safe place in this ugly world.
ReplyDeleteBut, let me challenge you about something. Do not answer me, but journal about everything I say here for yourself.
What are your secrets? Why do you need to keep them? If you have secrets, then what are you afraid to share? Why are you putting on a mask and not being real in the world? Who or what has hurt you? What are you grieving?
In time, you will find that your journal actually gets you to the point that you share everything and you no longer will have secrets. Why is this? Because you start to heal and you work through your stuff--rather than deny it, run from it, or feel ashamed of your stuff.
At this time, you feel safer keeping your secrets. That's okay. It's necessary. Make sure to write them out fully on the page. Do not shortchange this. Be honest and spend a great deal of time with your secrets in journaling.
Then, as you heal, share these with the one safe person in your life. They are the one you can trust unconditionally. (Notice I did not say the many. I said one. There is a reason.)
Then, in time, you will journal more about your secrets, and tell one to two people about them, and you will heal and become more whole.
Then, in time, you'll talk about them and not think twice. You won't hesitate.
Your secrets are something special, believe it or not. They've made you who you are today. Celebrate this. Do not ever regret, feel embarrassed, or anything of the sort. All of us have made mistakes. All of us are scared. All of us do not want to be judged. All of us. But, those comfortable in their own skin, in time, will be real with the world and never need to wear masks again--because this person has dealt with all of their stuff.
My friend, this takes years to get to this point. It's not a speedy process. Your secrets work for you today. This is not a bad thing. Not at all. There is a reason. It's part of the process of dealing with your stuff of life--of your challenges and possibly your mistakes. But, in time, embrace them. They have made you--you! This is sacred. This is a blessing. This is huge. It makes you special. It means you've lived.
And, if anyone ever holds your past against you, they are not worthy to be in your life. Period.
Guard your heart. Protect yourself. But, be real. Even if you were perfect, people will always judge. This is the pathetic nature of mankind.
Find the special one who does not judge and trust them. Ignore the rest, they are not worth it. But, whatever you do, be real.
You have a story. Never be ashamed of your story. Never ever.
If none of this applies, kindly disregard. I do not want to get in your business. Something just told me you could use encouragement--to celebrate who you are today--in spite of your past. Today, you are remarkable. That's what matters most.
I hope I have not offended. This comes from the bottom of my heart, friend. I want you to succeed and live the best life possible--and secrets in time will eat you alive, have their way with you, and spit you out when they are done with you.
But, for now, while you need the safety net, your journal is the safest place. Actually, it always is!
One more piece of advice, trust only one, two, or three with your heart. The masses will destroy it when they can. Only allow a few to speak into your life.