A grief journal for the non-writer

Keeping a grievance journal is known to be beneficial for those grieving the loss of a loved one. However, for many, keeping a diary is not something that comes easily.

Does this ring a bell?

I would not know where to start.

I don’t like to write, it’s not something that comes naturally to me.

I tried it and it was so overwhelming that my emotions were in overdrive.

I don’t want to be reminded of my pain every time I start writing.

I can’t spell, I’m not good with words.

I don’t have time, it’s quite difficult trying to take care of my family when I feel so sad.

If you can relate to the above, check out my list below where I give you some easy and different ways to use a diary. It’s my surefire way for the non-writer to try it out.

with diary remember there are no rules, it’s your diary. You don’t even have to write, you can paint, color, paste and create. You can use one or several. If the word itself displeases you, call it a scrapbook. The only thing I would suggest is that you date the page.

9 easy ways to get started:

1. Use images instead of words. Select your magazines and cut out images that mean something to you right now. Paste them or make a collage. It could be an image that represents a feeling, it could be an image of a place that you would love to visit sometime in the future. They could be words you see in the newspaper. Start a file for your cuttings.
2. take a quote you’ve seen it on facebook, in the newspaper, on a blog and write it in your diary.
3. make a memory of a day they spent together. Put some photos of special moments shared, a card that you can have if it were a birthday, for example. Add a short caption, like “I love this photo, we were at ……….”
4. use only 2 words. One of my fellow writers has a Wednesday 1+1 feature: add a comment, using only 2 words. It’s amazing how powerful those 2 little words can be.
5. pick a topiclike “The meaning of your name” and write a couple of words, paste quotes and images that reflect that theme.
6. choose a song and while you listen to it, draw some shapes that flow with the music for you.
7. use color to represent what your loved one means to you. As you think about them, what color comes to mind, try paints or pastels to put the color on your complaint journal page. Once dry, write a special message for them.
8. write a quick list of 10 special memories you have
9. Use smiley faces to give an image to your feelings. They are so many and so easily expressed in an image that it would take us centuries to write. It is a way to express your emotions without stress.

“Our journey finds its way into our journal and our journal finds its way into our journey”… Michael Lewin