Writing the Chapters of Your Life: Surprising Insights Using This Special Journaling Technique

by: admin | Total views: 82 | Word Count: 476 | View PDF | Print View

 by: Patti Testerman

List-making is a favorite journaling technique and is
often used to quickly jot down a numbered record on topics like “my
beliefs,” “my pet peeves,” “the things I hate about myself,” or “my
strengths.” However, there’s a special type of list technique that
moves beyond a simple itemization and into the realm of significant
self-awareness.

This special technijque has several names, including
table-of-contents, life chapters, and stepping-stones, the latter term
used by journaling expert, Ira Progoff. Using this technique the writer
lists their most important life events, as though they were chapter
headings in an autobiography. Progoff and other suggest keeping the
number of items to around a dozen, to ensure the inclusion of only
major events.

One writer’s listed these items:

1. Brother died when I was three years old.

2. Mom went into the hospital when I was five, and I didn’t know why or when she would come home.

3. Grandma died when I was ten, and because of my age they wouldn’t let me go to the hospital and see her.

4. Dad died of a sudden heart attack when I was 15. I was with him but couldn’t save his life.

5. I fell in love but we lived in different cities and things just never seemed to work out.

6. My step-father died—how could this happen?

7. My long-distance love affair ended.

8. I fell in love again and thought it was for a lifetime.

9. I got married and was happy, at least for a long time.

10. I got divorced. It wasn’t for a lifetime.

Is there any doubt that this journal-writer has major
issues concerning death and other ending issues? And, do you notice the
lack of happy events? After this diarist created the stepping stones,
she then wrote about each, realizing how many unresolved issues she
carried with her—and how they impacted her ability to be happy.

As you do this exercise several times over months or
years, you’ll find your choice of events changing. Sometimes your first
love affair is the most important thing on the list, and other times it
won’t make the top 10 or 12 at all. Why? Because the list reflects the
issues that cry out for attention.

When you’re comfortable with this technique, try using
it for specific topics, like the stepping stones of your weight issues,
or relationships, or spiritual growth. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Good writing!

Copyright 2004 Patti Testerman

Journal Genie, The Website That Talks Back

http://www.journalgenie.com

You have permission to publish this article
electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are
included and the resource box is left unchanged. A courtesy copy of
your publication would be appreciated.

About the Author

Patti Testerman is content manager at JournalGenie.com, the only online site that analyzes your writing and then gives you instant feedback. Discover self-defeating patterns, find better ways to communicate in relationships. Contact her at mailto:patti@journalgenie.com

Rating: Not yet rated

Comments

Add Comment

Copy and Paste Article Code.

Remember: The article body, title, author bio and links may not be changed or removed. By publishing this article, you agree to all the terms in our Terms of Service.

More articles in this Category

1: Your Strengths, Your Money
2: Your Mission Field At Work
3: Yoga for Every BODY
4: Writing the Chapters of Your Life: Surprising Insights Using This Special Journaling Technique
5: Wrinkle Remover That WORKS!!