It’s no secret I love writing. Throughout my career the thing I loved the most was communication, both written and verbal. To me it’s about connecting, making connections, renewing connections, allowing people into my life.

That’s certainly been my goal with blogging and writing articles for a number of publications, including The Mighty and  Blogs by Christian Women.

My public writing is centred around my health journey, the mystery of it all, the onslaught of it all, the victories and the set backs.

Trying To Make Sense Of It All

Writing helps me to make sense of all the challenges my health issues throw at me, something even my Specialists are battling to do!

During one of my hospital admissions, my Specialist came into my room with a concerned look on his face and asked,

” Did you murder someone in a past life because it doesn’t seem fair to me that such a lovely lady should have to deal with so much”?

He was right, it doesn’t make sense that many, not just me, suffer from horrific chronic diseases. There is no rhyme or reason as to why one person has perfect health and another doesn’t.

“For God makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Matthew 5 v 45 NKJV Bible

So to think in terms of fair or unfair is not helpful.

In my mind to be proactive in the midst of the suffering is helpful. That’s where writing comes in.

The Difference Between Blogging and Journaling

Blogging is like my work, my new career. It’s a place to record “My Medical Musings” and share with others the coping mechanisms I have discovered through my own experiences.

It’s a style of writing that connects me with others, through social media, linking with other bloggers and engaging with comments on my blog posts from my readers.

The blogging world is a writing community and it’s wonderful to be a part of it.

I’m actively involved with the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network, where we share our latest health journey article weekly.  More recently I’ve joined Christian blogger networks, like Grace Girls and Salt and Light Link Up, where faith stories are regularly shared and writers encouraged in their work.

There is another kind of important writing that I do that I find incredibly healing….Journaling.

The Joy Of Journaling

My journal is private. It’s where I bear my soul. I tell my journal anything and everything. I write frequently but not regularly. Sometimes once a month, then maybe every week for a while or I might put it aside for six months. It’s where I go when I need to release how I really feel.

It captures my highest joys, my deepest hurts, my dreams, my hopes. It is healing.

There are no rules to journaling. You can write in any style you like. No one will edit it or comment on it. It doesn’t matter if it has spelling errors or illegible writing.

You can draw in it, record favourite quotes, keep special cards or notes from friends to look back on when you need encouragement.

It is your own special world and it is a wonderful thing.

In this era of online sharing where nothing seems to be “off-limits”, it is so important to keep some essence of privacy. Some place where you can just shut the door on the noise of life and allow your innermost thoughts to be heard.

Journaling allows you to do that.

It’s like a form of prayer for me. Only God knows what’s in my journal unless I choose to share it with someone else. That’s a precious, special thing.

You don’t even need to be a “Writer” to journal. It’s for anyone.

Buying a new journal could be a little treat to yourself.

As you open the first page and record the day and date, an opportunity awaits to express yourself like never before. An opportunity to find a sense of peace. An opportunity to start the process of emotional healing and well-being.

Happy Journaling 💗

Sam xx

 

 

If you’re looking for genuine support, care, understanding & friendship, you are so welcome to join my closed Facebook support forum, Medical Musings with Friends . It’s a safe place to connect with others living with chronic & complex diseases, who truly understand the daily challenges. A warm welcome awaits.

 

This post was shared at the Salt and Light Linkup Group

I’m also a Contributor at “The Mighty”. You can check out my published articles at My Author Page

I also write @ Blogs by Christian Women

I’m a member of  the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network and the  Grace Girls Facebook Group

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WEGO Health Award 2018 Nominee