Therapeutic Journaling Exercise: Letting Go of 2012

We're into a new year of goals, resolutions and intentions but have you made peace with 2012 and truly let it go?

So much can happen in just one year. Major life events – marriages, divorces, moves, births and deaths – create big, sudden changes in your life, and small, everyday events – outings with friends and family, work meetings, diet and exercise habits – dictate gradual but equally important changes.

Change is not always easy and often brings with it growing pains and side effects before we see the positive outcomes. As we move into the new year, sit down with your personal journal and do some therapeutic journaling about what you want to leave behind as you wipe the slate clean for 2013.

A Fresh Start With Therapeutic Journaling

1. Reflect on the last year. What were your personal milestones, achievements and victories? What were you most proud of? What do you feel most positive about? Brainstorm a short list in your personal journal. For example:

• Started cooking more and eating healthy meals
• Made progress in the book I’m writing
• Spent more time with my family, who lives far away

2. Now do the same for the challenging aspects of the last year. What were your greatest obstacles? What were the lowest or most difficult times? Make another list in your journal. For example:

• Finalized my divorce
• Struggled with a job I’m not sure is right for me
• Had a lot of doctor visits to address ongoing health issues

3. In the list that you just wrote, which items were out of your control? Which do you have the power to change in the new year? In your personal journal, write a letter of support, forgiveness and hope for yourself as you begin a new chapter of your life in 2013. Write about old wounds you want to heal and painful events you want to leave behind, and give yourself the encouragement you need to make a fresh start.

How have you reviewed, reflected and wrapped up 2012 in a bow?

Sunday is the day for the Journaling Expo. Get inspiration, information and motivation on starting and sticking to your 2013 Journaling Practice. WriteON!