JournalTalk | Write4Life

Several episodes ago, I interviewed Susan Borkin, and we just “clicked”. I’ve enjoyed having her come back to share answers to those of your journaling questions that she has written about in her book, The Healing Power of Writing.

In this episode, a JournalTalk listener shares her immense grief over her mom’s absence for the past 4+ years, and asks “is this something that journal-writing can help with, or do I just need a prescription?”

Such kinds of inner suffering are the reasons most people turn to journal-writing in the first place. Susan shares a few writing exercises that can help to bridge the gap between you and a lost loved one.

Your turn to answer: Has writing ever soothed you through a grieving period? How do you use journaling to connect with loved ones no longer living?  What do you write about when words don’t seem sufficient?  Post your responses in the comments section at the bottom of this webpage, or join the fans, followers and friends in the JournalTalk community, to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280. When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #43, April 12, 2016)

To Subscribe to JournalTalk:

For Coaching with Nathan Ohren: Click here.

The post Journaling When Words Are Not Enough first appeared on Write4Life.

As we journey through the movement of our life, what aspects of ourselves do we birth or bury, in order to make sense of, and give meaning to, our experience? This question was my guest’s inspiration for her newest book.

Nearly two years ago, I interviewed Joan Leof, after she inspired me to dig back through my old, yellowing journals to collect pieces of my coming-out story and begin crafting a memoir. (You can listen to that interview here: JournalTalk, Episode #12.)

In this week’s episode, Joan Leof returns to share her newest book, MATRYOSHKA: Uncovering Your Many Selves Through Writing. It’s a unique collection of memoir-style essays, which are interesting snapshots into different aspects of Joan’s life. But here’s the twist: each story concludes with ten thoughtful, workbook-style questions to prompt the reader in reflection upon his/her own life snapshots. I enjoyed using this book for its rich journaling prompts, but it could also be a perfect centerpiece for discussion groups or book-reading clubs.

In our conversation, Joan shares the steps along her path to publishing, and a number of valuable tips for those who are exploring the many layers of “self” in their writing. For another great journaling prompt about the many selves and the “inner committee”, you might enjoy revisiting Episode #41.

Exclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners:  For a limited time, Nathan is offering JournalTalk listeners a full week of customized journal-writing exercises, tailored for their unique concern or situation. Get details here. (JournalTalk, Episode #72, April 5, 2016)

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group. 

To Subscribe to JournalTalk:

For Coaching with Nathan Ohren: Click here.

The post Uncovering Many Selves Through Writing first appeared on Write4Life.

A quick Google search on the term “journaling” will offer at least one measure of social proof that there’s healing power in writing. But can journal-writing really help with long-lasting sadness? Can it cure, or at least relieve depression?

Susan Borkin, author, licensed psychotherapist, and pioneer in the field of journal therapy, joins me in answering this second in a series of mental-health-and-journaling questions. Susan shares examples from her most recent book, The Healing Power of Writing.

Everyone feels blue from time to time, and that’s natural. The tips discussed in this episode can help with occasional sadness or chronic. Writing might not replace a prescription medication for every person, but for those who are healthy enough to take charge of their pen or keyboard, it certainly can make a pointed difference.

Your turn to answer: Do you use journaling to help soothe any sadness, anxiety, grief, or depression?  Do you think doctors should prescribe the use of therapy journals?  Has writing ever proven to speed up your recovery time?  Post your responses in the comments section at the bottom of this webpage, or join the fans, followers and friends in the JournalTalk community, to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280. When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #42, March 29, 2016)

To Subscribe to JournalTalk:

For Coaching with Nathan Ohren: Click here.

The post Q&A: “Which Color of Ink Will Take Away My Blues?” first appeared on Write4Life.

Speaking with Kay Adams is always a treat, and offers the proverbial smorgasbord of lively topics under the umbrella of journal-writing for health and happiness!

Kay is author to numerous books on journaling, in addition to being the editor of the ten-volume series, It’s Easy to W.R.I.T.E.! Her Center for Journal Therapy was a sponsor for the 30-Day Digital Journaling Challenge, and Kay is also my co-author to this published paper which details the results of before-and-after surveys taken by the first 1,500 participants of that same challenge.

In this episode, you’ll learn about Kay’s recent journaling retreat in Ireland, and her upcoming Journal Conference celebrating the 30-year anniversary of her work in journal therapy. We also reveal some of the most interesting, surprising findings from the 30-day digital journaling challenge. Kay also provides a teaser for her forthcoming workbook, Your Brain on Ink, combining journal-writing and neuroplasticity, co-authored with Deborah Ross, a previous JournalTalk guest. (JournalTalk, Episode #71, March 22, 2016)

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group. 

To Subscribe to JournalTalk:

For Journal-based Coaching with Nathan Ohren: Click here.

The post Pioneering the Next 30 Years of Journal Therapy first appeared on Write4Life.

It seems that the questions I’m receiving from listeners about journal-writing are becoming more numerous, more interesting, and more specific as this program continues. I’ve been saving a select handful having to do with psychological conditions for a co-host like Susan Borkin, a psychotherapist who shares my belief in the therapeutic value of journaling.

Here is the first in that series: Patty asks, “How can journaling help with my anxiety?” Many people who suffer with irrational fears and worries will report that writing about those feelings only seems to intensify them. If you are among them, you’ll be pleased to hear Susan has several suggestions that make a huge difference. Susan and I walk through a straight-forward example of anxiety in the workplace, using her A-B-C-D-E technique based on cognitive therapy. For more examples and tips on this subject, you’ll want to check out Susan’s book, The Healing Power of Writing.

Your turn to answer: Have you been frustrated, writing in circles in your journal, instead of finding relief? What tips do you have for addressing the issue and leaving yourself feeling empowered? Post your responses in the comments section at the bottom of this webpage, or join the fans, followers and friends in the JournalTalk community, to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280. When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #41, March 17, 2016)

To Subscribe to JournalTalk:

For Coaching with Nathan Ohren: Click here.

The post Q&A: “How Can Journaling Calm My Anxiety?” first appeared on Write4Life.

It is a great honor to have the opportunity to interview a long-time mentor of mine, a man who needs no introduction. And, I enjoyed introducing anyway.

Jack Canfield has made his way into the hearts and homes of millions of people worldwide, for one reason or another, and this interview only scratched the surface of a fraction of the topics we could have discussed in so little time.

We did somehow manage to cover quite a bit. In this episode, I begin by sharing a brief personal history about my three-year success story in the multi-level marketing business of PartyLite Candles, which is how I first met Jack Canfield. Then, Jack and I discuss a range of topics, including:

This was a fun and enriching conversation with a down-to-earth, and truly caring celebrity. I most enjoyed learning that even people as successful as Jack Canfield still fight with their demons on a daily basis, and often turn to their journals for bravery, insight and refuge.

Exclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners:  For a limited time, Nathan is offering JournalTalk listeners a full week of customized journal-writing exercises, tailored for their unique concern or situation. Get details here. (JournalTalk, Episode #70, March 8, 2016)

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group. 

To Subscribe to JournalTalk:

For Coaching with Nathan Ohren: Click here.

The post Journaling Tips from Best-Selling Success Coach, Jack Canfield first appeared on Write4Life.

Tom asks, “Is there ever a time I would write in my journal when I’m not analyzing something?” To many, keeping a journal is a great tool and practice for problem-solving, so it might be natural to think that’s the only time to visit the blank page.

Many people have also used journaling as a practice in meditation or mindfulness, to enhance creativity, unlock the subconscious, or provide a whole array of benefits that weren’t prompted by a specific puzzle to solve.

Janet Wiszowaty of the Worldly Connektions radio show joins me in sharing many of the techniques and styles of journal-writing that help open or deepen self-awareness, even when there’s no precipitating problem. From letter-writing, Morning Pages, or stream-of-consciousness, to exploring feelings and needs, there are dozens of examples of how journaling can be more about noticing than analyzing.

Your turn to answer: How do you use writing to practice mindfulness? How do you describe the difference between self-analyzing and self-awareness? Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section, or come join the Friends of JournalTalk Facebook community to share your unique perspective and tips regarding the question-of-the-week.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280. When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #40, March 1, 2016)

To Subscribe to JournalTalk:

To Join the JournalTalk Community on Facebook: Click here.

The post Q&A: “What’s the Difference Between Self-Analyzing and Self-Awareness?” first appeared on Write4Life.

Too often, we carry around with us the constraints and limiting beliefs of our past. Do you wonder how to identify those pesky, negative and disempowering stories that weigh you down emotionally?

Laura Coe is an author, blogger, and certified life coach with a mission to help people shed emotional weight. In her book, Emotional Obesity, she shares exercises for emotional fitness, and techniques for ridding ourselves of “junk thoughts” that so easily creep into our self-talk.

In this episode, I share a real-life example of how my own thoughts have kept me feeling sad and alienated during my family gatherings in the holiday season, and how I learned that such feelings were completely my own emotional baggage. (JournalTalk, Episode #69, February 23, 2016)

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group. 

To Subscribe to JournalTalk:

For Coaching with Nathan Ohren: Click here.

The post Lighten Up! (Writing to Shed Emotional Baggage) first appeared on Write4Life.

During a NINETY-DAY journal-writing challenge this winter, where I met a new friend “Wizzy” (Janet Wiszowaty), I was asked “the time of day” question again, so I thought I’d make a short episode about it.

What’s the best time of day to make your journal entries?

Early Morning is ideal for writing about your hopes or desires for the day. It could be the perfect quiet time to listen for inner guidance. The mind is waking and receptive to visualizing an ideal day. This is when I usually make my “ta-da!” list (the 3 highest-priority tasks I promise to get done that day). It’s also the best time for recording dreams. Many consider mornings the most critical time for installing successful habits. (Sorry I goofed on some details about the Miracle Morning! This was recorded before I interviewed Hal Elrod!)

Midday is typically when our faculties of reason are at a peak, and our minds are clearest. This might be a great time to write through a puzzling situation you’d like to resolve, brainstorming some options for an important decision, or making detailed plans for a project. This is sometimes my most productive journaling time.

Afternoons can be perfect for journaling as a meditation or mindfulness; to dialogue with the body, or your inner committee; or to reflect on what’s been accomplished and what can be left for tomorrow.

In the Evening, I like to reflect on the best part(s) of my day, express gratitude, or summarize some of the day’s events. It’s also a great time to vent any lingering frustration so I can get better rest at night. And sometimes before bed, I will write out a wish, a fantasy, or a question that I’d like to learn more about, often in preparation for a visit from my Dream Faerie!

Janet and I agreed — the “best” time to write is whatever time you WILL write! People who work a swing shift, or keep erratic schedules may find the above suggestions completely backward. The important thing is to make (any!) time for yourself, and experiment with different timings, until you find what works for you.

Check out Family Connekt, Wizzy’s website featuring her workshops, speaking engagements, coaching, etc. Doesn’t she seem like a really fun (and really smart!) person to work with?

Your turn to answer: What’s your favorite time to write, and why?  Do you find your best writing time changes with seasons, or depends on family members’ schedules? Have you learned any strategies for keeping a consistent time for yourself? Post your responses at the bottom of this webpage, in the comments section.

You may email your own journaling question to be featured on a future episode of JournalTalk. Or, pick up the telephone and leave a voicemail with your question at 1-805-751-6280. When your question is featured, we will send you a thank-you gift for sharing your voice! (JournalTalk Q&A, Episode #39, February 16, 2016)

To Subscribe to JournalTalk:

For Coaching with Nathan Ohren: Click here.

The post Q&A: “What’s the Best Time of Day for Journal-Writing?” first appeared on Write4Life.

Several episodes back, I gave some suggestions for what to write if you only have five minutes each day with your journal. We have revisited this idea many times in this podcast series, because like so many people I’ve sometimes only got five spare minutes to write — and some days, those five minutes alone with my thoughts are the most profound (and productive!) five minutes of my day.

Today we’ll be listening to a very special guest who combines the concepts of time-management and journal-writing. UJ Ramdas has passion for both psychology and business, employing his background in Behavioral Science, Marketing and Hypnosis. In addition to creating tools for productivity and time management, he’s consulted with (several hundred) clients, bringing them from confusion to clarity. 

In this interview, we discuss two journal-like tools UJ created with his business partner, Alex Ikonn at Intelligent Change. The first is the widely-referenced Five Minute Journal, a creatively simple book for exercising the most powerful muscles of self-reflection. A “toothbrush for your mind,” the journal poses a few straight-forward questions for each morning and evening, helping you build strong habits of gratitude and success visualization. The second tool is the newly-released Productivity Planner, designed to help you implement a proven method for organizing your tasks and keeping focused on those which are most critical to your long-term success. 

Throughout the conversation, UJ shares some powerful examples and stories which surely will inspire a shift toward gratitude and productivity in your personal journal-writing routine.

Exclusive Offer for JournalTalk Listeners:  For a limited time, Nathan is offering JournalTalk listeners a full week of customized journal-writing exercises, tailored for their unique concern or situation. Get details here.  (JournalTalk, Episode #68, February 9, 2016)

To Join our Community: Please post comments and questions below, to further the dialogue. And connect with other JournalTalk friends in our private Facebook group. 

To Subscribe to JournalTalk:

For Coaching with Nathan Ohren: Click here.

The post Journaling: A Toothbrush for the Mind first appeared on Write4Life.