Heal My Voice Author and Board Member
Earlier this year, I was a guest on a podcast hosted by Nathan Ohren of JournalTalk, a wonderful online resource on journaling for passion, clarity and purpose. The topic was “Reconnection To Self”. We had a great chat and it really got me thinking about journaling, which has been a part of my life for a long time. I feel like this conversation is part of what has led me to do some of my recent posts on journaling and writing for health and well-being.
We covered quite a bit during the show and even talked about Heal My Voice and our Chrysalis House project, which supports women in long-term addiction recovery to heal through writing and sharing their stories – journaling is a core part of this program. For today’s post, I thought I’d share a link to the podcast as well as an overview of some of the questions we covered below. I hope you’ll take some time to listen and also, be sure to check all of the great podcasts and resources offered on JournalTalk.
Listen To Podcast
Here are some highlights of the interview:
– When did you start journaling
As a kid, I always like to write and play with words, but I really started journaling when I was in 6th grade. I was introduced to it by a teacher who had us keep a journal and as I had already enjoyed writing, it was a natural fit. I have kept journals on and off throughout my whole life, sometimes writing daily, sometimes dropping off a bit but always coming back to the page.
– How do you like to keep a journal? What do you use?
My journal style has varied over the years. Currently I like to use a large sketchbook which I decorate with collage on the outside as well as on some of the pages. There’s something about the blank page without lines that I love and also sometimes I may add a drawing or sketch an idea out there, too. I like to write everyday but unlike other times when I was set on morning pages or evening reflections, I like to be organic about when I journal. I love it when I have a day when I can head out to the café and have an almond milk chai and do some journaling. Also, sometimes I keep a couple of journals – if I am working on an issue, I may create a specific journal for it and I always keep a separate self-care journal. Also, there are times I like to keep a typed journal, too.
– Do you ever go back and read your old journal entries? What have you learned about yourself?
I do like to go through old journals sometimes to reflect. It is great to see where I have been and where I am now. I find it interesting that in some ways I am very different and in others still the same as when I was younger. I know I have healed a lot of pain. And, I have really grown as a writer.
– What are the top 2 or 3 benefits you’ve experienced about journaling?
I would say the benefits to me are having an avenue for self-reflection, self-awareness, and letting go of what’s in my head ~ it creates a space to see myself more clearly. Also, it enhances creativity and has helped me to explore writing and my ideas. It’s kind of like my own sacred space!
– Typed? or hand-written?
Both, but more hand-written for journaling. For other writing, more typed.
– What’s your favorite place to write in your journal?
Anywhere really. I like to go sit out in nature sometimes, or just on my deck when the weather is nice. Also, I love to go to cafes to journal and write.
– What else is interesting about your journaling style?
I would say that my style varies between free-writing or stream of consciousness and list making, such as feelings, ideas, self-care reviews, etc. I also really use my journal as a working tool in my life for self-direction and for discovering how to flow with my work as well.
Happy Journaling!
Beth Terrence is a Shaman, Holistic Health & Wellness Expert, Speaker and Writer. She has been working in the field of Holistic Healing and Transformation for over 18 years. This path evolved from her own healing journey through fibromyalgia and the impact of trauma on her life. Beth found that by taking a holistic approach to life and well-being, she was able to achieve of a state of happiness and wholeness that she never imagined was possible. Her mission is to support others in cultivating a heart-centered, balanced and joyful life through discovering the healer within.
Writing has always been one of Beth’s greatest passions. Since childhood, she has written poetry and kept a journal. Participating in a Heal My Voice project opened the door to Beth stepping forward in the world as a writer. Her stories are featured in Inspired Voices: True Stories of Visionary Women and Harmonic Voices: True Stories Of Women On The Path To Peace. Beth joined the Heal My Voice board of directors in May 2013. Additionally, she is the lead facilitator and program developer for a Heal My Voice program that brings writing and creativity to women in addiction recovery at Chrysalis House in Crownsville, MD.
Learn more at www.bethterrence.com or check out her new teleclass program starting July 22nd:
- Learn to connect with your heart on a deeper level and live more from the heart space.
- Cultivate love and compassion for yourself using a variety of transformational tools including meditation, shamanic journey work, affirmations, self-reflection and creative exercises.
- Uncover limiting beliefs and obstacles that prevent you from embodying greater love and compassion for your self and others and also, keep you from moving forward in your life.
- Learn to access your essential self and embody your soul purpose from the space of the heart
- Begin to facilitate your own process of transformation and healing and create a foundation to continue that process in your life.
How much longer do you want to continue struggling?
Do you want the heart to be a guiding force in your life?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Beth – Great summary of our stimulating conversation. I enjoyed making this episode with you. Thanks for sharing it on your blog here. I was most impressed with the idea for really personalizing the pages (not just the cover) of my journal with words and photos, BEFORE I start writing in it. Keep on writing!
Hi Nathan! Thanks for stopping by. Felt so good to share our conversation as part of the series I am doing on journaling this month as part of the Heal My Voice Blog Challenge. Have fun creating your journal – it is one of my favorite things to do and one that my groups at Chrysalis House really benefit from in terms of feeling a sense of connection to their writing space aka journal! Many blessings, Beth.