About Journaling

I was delighted when I came across this Happy Broadcast post this morning:

"Write it down, then throw it away: research confirms a simple method for reducing anger. Writing down one's reaction to a negative incident and then throwing it away reduces feelings of anger."

Why was I delighted? Because I've been doing this since my late teens and early twenties. Back then, such information wasn't as accessible as it is now. I had no one to talk to about my anger and problems, and I desperately needed a place to express all my thoughts and feelings. So, I wrote them down in my notebook, trying to process everything I was feeling and why. Afterward, I’d rip the paper into pieces to ensure no one, especially my parents, would see it. It felt liberating to process everything on my own, free from the influence of others' judgments or opinions. Throwing that piece of paper away brought a sense of closure and peace with my anger.

Growing up in a dysfunctional home with no boundaries, no (emotional) stability, and no one to talk to was incredibly isolating. If I had an issue, I couldn't lean on my parents or anyone for support.

Everyone processes emotions and anger differently, and for me, writing it down and tearing it apart worked. Seeing research backing this method is incredibly validating.

I think that's why I love journaling and blogging. There's something truly therapeutic about it.