See this collage? If you’re really artsy, it’s a way you can use the journal. Read on to find out more.
What on earth is a guided journal? you may be wondering. We’ve all seen or bought lovely blank journals and some of us have several sitting unused on a shelf. (Guilty as charged!)
Blank pages waiting to be filled area little, well, intimidating.
“I don’t know what to write! I don’t even LIKE to write!” you may be thinking. Well, not an issue with a guided journal because each page is a writing prompt. It might be a question to answer, or a topic that you’re asked to say a few words about. But you don’t even have to write. In response, you can also draw, paint or even paste photos from magazines or mementoes and make a little collage of your own
Even people who think they’re not good at expressing themselves can respond to a prompt. What is a prompt? Here’s an example from A Guided Journal for Healing:
Write, draw, paint or paste images even from magazines in response.
The two guided journals I offer at A Healing Spirit are specifically geared toward expressing ourselves as a way of healing.Let’s say you’ve been diagnosed with a serious or chronic illness. Maybe you’ve talked to friends and family about it so much you don’t want to say any more. Maybe you haven’t said much because you don’t want to upset them. This is the place to let it out. Because those feelings have to go somewhere. It’s not good to keep them bottled up.
As you can see, the coil binding opens flat so it’s easy to work with. It’s about 5″ x 7″, small enough to slip into most pocketbooks and take to treatment or anywhere you might want to focus on healing. A beautiful gift idea for the right person. Found HERE.
This one, A Guided Journal for Healing, is for people who are sick–and applies to any disease. Expressing how you feel about your disease, your sickness is not only cathartic, it’s a helpful support to healing. The feelings you have about your disease won’t go away just because you don’t express them. The journal is a safe place to say it all. Many people say that giving voice to the full range of emotions they feel about being sick feels like a weight being lifted off their shoulders.
You probably already talk to your disease and probably have a lot more to say. Let it out, here.
Whether you have Crohn’s or M.S., cancer or rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia or just about any disease that impacts your life, you have feelings about your health and maybe even about the lifestyle modifications you’ve had to make on account of it. This guided journal for healing is a safe and private place to get those feelings out. Here’s another example of a prompt from the journal:
This is a big one for people who have had to change their lives in response to their disease.
Research studies have shown that the mind-body connection is real. One study found that women with breast cancer who wrote about their feelings–expressing the full range of emotions– had the fewest symptoms. Physical function was improved for kidney cancer patients who did expressive writing exercises, according to another. Scientists and medical professionals are finding that the mind is a powerful healing tool and writing about your feelings can help.
Are you or a friend undergoing chemo or any infusion treatment? That time can pass slowly. Why not use it to support healing?This compact journal slips easily in a purse or tote and is coil bound so it lies flat. So easy to use. And wouldn’t a journal and colorful pen be a thoughtful gift for someone undergoing treatment?
The book also offers healing meditations and activities to help you focus on your healing. Combined with our affirmation cards, found HERE, your efforts to engage the mind-body connection in support of healing is one positive thing you can do for yourself. Because science is discovering that there IS a mind-body connection and it can make a difference.
Either the affirmation cards found HERE or the guided journal found HERE or a set of both make a thoughtful gift for someone close to you who is in the process of healing. I designed them both so they’re easy to slip into a purse or tote and even bring to treatment. They can be helpful. Oh, and I’ve got the same thing for people who are grieving, HERE. Come explore the range of products for folks with disease, chronic pain, anxiety, grief and in treatment for cancer or other disease at A Healing Spirit.
This is an awesome journal! There have been so many times when I have wanted to write something and as soon as I open my book to write, I go blank! I do have something similar to this for my kids but I’d almost like to personalize it. There’s an idea!
I love the idea of a guided journal, it can really help you get things out that sometimes you can’t fully grasp that you are feeling. What a great thing to share with others!
I didn’t know this actually had a name, but I homeschool my 11 year old daughter, and she does this everyday as part of her schooling. It’s just a sort of way to get the morning started!
I used to journal all the time… though mostly just when depressed. A guided journal sounds so much more helpful than just blabbering to drain the brain.
And talking to my MS? A brilliant idea I never considered. Thank you!
Guided journaling sounds like an awesome way to get those thoughts onto paper. I always draw a blank looking at a blank page, but the prompts would really help get my thoughts and ideas from my head onto the page without it coming out as a jumbled mess.
I love journals of all kinds! I do totally get overwhelmed sometimes with a blank journal. Guided ones are great for that! I haven’t used one in years but I totally want this one now!
I love writing on my journal.. When I feel down, I always read my entries (those experiences that uplifts my spirituality) and it makes me strong! Maybe I should try guided journals too!
It’s a lovely idea. Writing is like therapy for me, it’s my outlet, my release. A journal like this will definitely help people heal and feel better, mentally and emotionally.
I often have trouble expressing myself because most of the time I don’t know how or where to begin…this looks like a wonderful tool for others like myself.I never heard of a guided journal before but the potential there is enormous. I can see it working great for my child too, in helping him express himself better by reacting to specific and open ended questions.
I have tried basic journaling before, but I could not stay consistent or on task, so I quit. I love the idea of specific task journaling and I can definitely see myself using it, if anything; for those moments when I need to see how far I have come.
This is an amazing idea! Sometimes we are so frustrated and have so much to say we just don’t know where to start. With prompts like this it can be helpful to get those thoughts rolling and begin writing as a release. What a great idea!
I have often thought that journals were therapeutic. Whether or not you are sick, they can really help to let out all those negative emotions that you keep bottled up inside.
This is such a cool idea. Sometimes I want to start a journal but I get overwhelmed because I don’t know what to write. A guided journal would be a fantastic way to find inspiration to get pen to paper.
This is a really great idea. Something i should really look into. I haven’t had a journal of any kind in so many years. Think it would be a great idea for me.
This is a good idea. Some people have so many pent up feelings but can’t seem to focus on one thought and write it down. A guided journal will help a lot because they get to respond to “prompts.” This is just like someone asking them a question to which they respond through writing.
I think a guided journal is really helpful to stimulate thoughts. I might not have thought about a specific writing prompt had it not been for that journal.
A guided journal sounds like a terrific idea for younger children. I want my kids to journal often but ‘m sure it can be difficult to think of what to write.
I love this idea. I have some pent up emotions and I feel that even if I tell them to someone, my concerns are not really understood. A guided journal for me would be like talking to someone who REALLY listens!
I am a big journal writer! I’ve been keeping a journal since I was a young girl. love guided journal writing because sometimes I am not sure what I should write about. I also like the coil binding on the journal you featured. Coil binding really does make it easier to turn the pages of the journal and you don’t have to worry about the papers tearing so easily.
A guided journal is a really great idea for anyone struggling with a problem or health concern. Writing down your feelings can really help you work through whatever it is bothering you. These guiding prompts are a useful tool.
This is great. Especially for a blogger! We spend our time finding topics to write about…when it comes to journaling it would be great to have a starter 🙂
It has been a while since I have done guided journaling, but I have found it to be tremendously healing, and helpful. I may have to give this journal a try!
Looks like an amazing journal – I often don’t know where to start when I am trying to express myself, so this is a great way to help for the writer’s block!
This guided journal would be nice to have not only for people who are trying to overcome grief, anxiety or depression but for every one who has feelings. It is easier to write responses to prompts than to answer them face to face with a medical professional
I love journaling but don’t make it a priority. A guided journal would be great for me because it takes the time away from finding a great thought starter.
I’ve never heard of a guided journal but this seems like a good idea for people who need to get things out on paper. I’ll have to see if I can find one.
I like the idea but part of my problem is time – I just don’t have enough of it!!! I have a lovely blank journal and must make time for it! #twinklytuesday
I’ve never heard of such a thing. Although would have probably got this if I was introduced to it the same time I was introduced to my mental disorder.
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Guided journaling sounds like an amazing idea. Writing prompts are always a great way to give us a starting point.
I love this idea! I tried journaling before, but I was paralyzed with an inability to get anything out. I must try this.
I like this a lot! Journaling can be so healthy and help you get everything out. Helps to clear your mind and destress.
Wow, it is really a good idea, especially to avoid writer’s block.
I think the prompts would be really helpful. I definitely find that sometimes I can’t think of anything worth writing about with regular journals.
This is an awesome journal! There have been so many times when I have wanted to write something and as soon as I open my book to write, I go blank! I do have something similar to this for my kids but I’d almost like to personalize it. There’s an idea!
I love the idea of a guided journal, it can really help you get things out that sometimes you can’t fully grasp that you are feeling. What a great thing to share with others!
I would love to try a guides journal. I will have to pick one up this weekend. I have always loved to write in a journal.
I didn’t know this actually had a name, but I homeschool my 11 year old daughter, and she does this everyday as part of her schooling. It’s just a sort of way to get the morning started!
I used to journal all the time… though mostly just when depressed. A guided journal sounds so much more helpful than just blabbering to drain the brain.
And talking to my MS? A brilliant idea I never considered. Thank you!
I love journaling but I get stuck on what to say. A guided journal sounds like it would be great for me.
Guided journaling sounds like an awesome way to get those thoughts onto paper. I always draw a blank looking at a blank page, but the prompts would really help get my thoughts and ideas from my head onto the page without it coming out as a jumbled mess.
That’s a really neat idea. I’ve never seen a journal like that – would be cool to see ones for all types of subjects.
I love journals of all kinds! I do totally get overwhelmed sometimes with a blank journal. Guided ones are great for that! I haven’t used one in years but I totally want this one now!
I love guided journals. When I taught sixth grade, my students loved seeing what the prompt was for the day.
I love writing on my journal.. When I feel down, I always read my entries (those experiences that uplifts my spirituality) and it makes me strong! Maybe I should try guided journals too!
It’s a lovely idea. Writing is like therapy for me, it’s my outlet, my release. A journal like this will definitely help people heal and feel better, mentally and emotionally.
I often have trouble expressing myself because most of the time I don’t know how or where to begin…this looks like a wonderful tool for others like myself.I never heard of a guided journal before but the potential there is enormous. I can see it working great for my child too, in helping him express himself better by reacting to specific and open ended questions.
I have tried basic journaling before, but I could not stay consistent or on task, so I quit. I love the idea of specific task journaling and I can definitely see myself using it, if anything; for those moments when I need to see how far I have come.
This is an amazing idea! Sometimes we are so frustrated and have so much to say we just don’t know where to start. With prompts like this it can be helpful to get those thoughts rolling and begin writing as a release. What a great idea!
I have often thought that journals were therapeutic. Whether or not you are sick, they can really help to let out all those negative emotions that you keep bottled up inside.
This is such a cool idea. Sometimes I want to start a journal but I get overwhelmed because I don’t know what to write. A guided journal would be a fantastic way to find inspiration to get pen to paper.
This is a really great idea. Something i should really look into. I haven’t had a journal of any kind in so many years. Think it would be a great idea for me.
I love this idea, as I’ve never heard about these before. Going to get myself one!
What a powerful post.
I am sure this tool can be very helpful to those looking to enrich their lives.
This is a good idea. Some people have so many pent up feelings but can’t seem to focus on one thought and write it down. A guided journal will help a lot because they get to respond to “prompts.” This is just like someone asking them a question to which they respond through writing.
I think a guided journal is really helpful to stimulate thoughts. I might not have thought about a specific writing prompt had it not been for that journal.
I have journaled for years but have never heard of a guided journal. This looks amazing! I definitely want to try it now!
These are so neat! I could use a bit of inspiration to get me started on the thinking process.
A guided journal sounds like a terrific idea for younger children. I want my kids to journal often but ‘m sure it can be difficult to think of what to write.
I love these! I haven’t gotten a chance to use them but the concept is perfect for me.
I like writing a journal and a guided journal sounds super awesome. I might want to try this out the next time I feel like writing a journal.
I love this idea. I have some pent up emotions and I feel that even if I tell them to someone, my concerns are not really understood. A guided journal for me would be like talking to someone who REALLY listens!
I am a big journal writer! I’ve been keeping a journal since I was a young girl. love guided journal writing because sometimes I am not sure what I should write about. I also like the coil binding on the journal you featured. Coil binding really does make it easier to turn the pages of the journal and you don’t have to worry about the papers tearing so easily.
A guided journal is a really great idea for anyone struggling with a problem or health concern. Writing down your feelings can really help you work through whatever it is bothering you. These guiding prompts are a useful tool.
i love the idea of a guided journal. i could so use one of these. It would help me a lot
I love the concept of this journal. We all need healing in some form of another but this guided one is great!
The concept of this journal is amazing! I love it. I need to get me one of these!
I like the idea of this kind of journal. Journaling can be oh so very helpful.
This is great. Especially for a blogger! We spend our time finding topics to write about…when it comes to journaling it would be great to have a starter 🙂
I’ve never heard of guided journaling before! I love the idea! I have a hard time journaling for some reason, so this would be wonderful for me.
It has been a while since I have done guided journaling, but I have found it to be tremendously healing, and helpful. I may have to give this journal a try!
Looks like an amazing journal – I often don’t know where to start when I am trying to express myself, so this is a great way to help for the writer’s block!
I would love a guided journal! I have always been a writer when it comes to my feelings. This is so great especially for someone who is sick.
This guided journal would be nice to have not only for people who are trying to overcome grief, anxiety or depression but for every one who has feelings. It is easier to write responses to prompts than to answer them face to face with a medical professional
I hve never kept a guided journal but I love the idea, gives you direction so you are sitting there repeating things or thoughts you had that day.
I don’t have journal but I think it’s imoortant to have this and for avoid the mental block especially sometime I can’t think normally.
I love journaling but don’t make it a priority. A guided journal would be great for me because it takes the time away from finding a great thought starter.
I’ve never heard of a guided journal but this seems like a good idea for people who need to get things out on paper. I’ll have to see if I can find one.
Ooooo I’m loving the whole concept of a journal like this! Definitely a great way to keep you on track with your goals
I had never heard of this before–I may need one of these journals! Thanks for the inspiration
Wow this journal is amazing. I don’t think I would stay on top of it though.
Interesting – I’ve never heard of this, but it’s actually a great idea. Nothing more daunting than a blank page. A prompt is brilliant!
I’ve never seen this before, that is such a great journals, such an amazing idea.
Journaling is such a reflective and cathartic activity. I’ve been keeping journals since I was a kid and love having writing as an outlet.
This sounds like the journal for me. I always envied those who found the time to write everyday. I may actual be able to do this!
I love to try journal but I akways stuck and did ‘t know what to say. I Love the guide of journal.
I like the idea but part of my problem is time – I just don’t have enough of it!!! I have a lovely blank journal and must make time for it! #twinklytuesday
I’ve never heard of such a thing. Although would have probably got this if I was introduced to it the same time I was introduced to my mental disorder.