|
Author: Patti Testerman Article source: http://www.www.christian-mommies.com/. Used with author's permission.
List-making is a favorite journaling technique and is often used to quickly jot down a numbered record on topics like "my beliefs," "my pet peeves," "the things I hate about myself," or "my strengths." However, there's a special type of list technique that moves beyond a simple itemization and into the realm of significant self-awareness.
This special technijque has several names, including table-of-contents, life chapters, and stepping-stones, the latter term used by journaling expert, Ira Progoff. Using this technique the writer lists their most important life events, as though they were chapter headings in an autobiography. Progoff and other suggest keeping the number of items to around a dozen, to ensure the inclusion of only major events.
One writer's listed these items:
1. Brother died when I was three years old.
2. Mom went into the hospital when I was five, and I didn't know why or when she would come home.
3. Grandma died when I was ten, and because of my age they wouldn't let me go to the hospital and see her.
4. Dad died of a sudden heart attack when I was 15. I was with him but couldn't save his life.
5. I fell in love but we lived in different cities and things just never seemed to work out.
6. My step-father died—how could this happen?
7. My long-distance love affair ended.
8. I fell in love again and thought it was for a lifetime.
9. I got married and was happy, at least for a long time.
10. I got divorced. It wasn't for a lifetime.
Is there any doubt that this journal-writer has major issues concerning death and other ending issues? And, do you notice the lack of happy events? After this diarist created the stepping stones, she then wrote about each, realizing how many unresolved issues she carried with her—and how they impacted her ability to be happy.
As you do this exercise several times over months or years, you'll find your choice of events changing. Sometimes your first love affair is the most important thing on the list, and other times it won't make the top 10 or 12 at all. Why? Because the list reflects the issues that cry out for attention.
When you're comfortable with this technique, try using it for specific topics, like the stepping stones of your weight issues, or relationships, or spiritual growth. Don't be afraid to experiment.
Good writing!
Copyright 2004 Patti Testerman
Journal Genie, The Website That Talks Back
http://www.journalgenie.com
You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included and the resource box is left unchanged. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated. About The Author
Patti Testerman is content manager at JournalGenie.com, the only online site that analyzes your writing and then gives you instant feedback. Discover self-defeating patterns, find better ways to communicate in relationships. Contact her at mailto:patti@journalgenie.com
Combating List Building Frenzy: Take The Time To Promote
It is an accepted fact among the experts now that online marketing succeeds only with a quality, highly targeted permission email list in place. As a result, th...
Basic Photo Composition
Composing your photos like a pro is simple; just follow the basic rules.
How to Avoid the Most Common Reasons for Small Business Failure
The life cycle of the typical small business is short and painful. It starts out with a dream and ends with a whimper. And in between, a struggle of Herculean p...
Creating Your Own Lead Capture Pages
Advise on ways to capture your own leads and build your own list...
What is Lean Six Sigma
Improving the speed of a process and the elimination of waste primarily by eliminating non-value added steps is focused under Lean manufacturing. But under Six ...
Using a Contact List Profitably Part One
In previous articles, we discussed the generation of a contact list. This time, we look at one idea on what to do with that list once you have it.
What Is God Thinking?
If you received an email direct from God, what would it say?
A Frugal Internet Marketing Strategy That Works!
Small businesses are missing out if they create a web site and then do not do anything to bring traffick to the site. Unfortunately, search engine optimization...
25 Valuable Phone Numbers For Small Businesses Success
Starting and growing a small business can be a daunting and sometimes lonely process we have compiled a list of 25 helpful phone numbers for agencies and servic...
How to Bake: Easy Sourdough Bread
A customer emailed us and said that her mother loved sourdough bread but had trouble making it work right. We shared the following recipe with her, which is ou...
Business Innovation – the Value of Structure
Structure is one of the most valuable tools for enhancing creativity. There are essentially two types of structure: Frameworks and Work Processes.
Web Designers Beware!
Web Designers face a huge occupational threat online. Web Design Templates are competing for the same clients, but for much less money.
How to Play the Violin
Learning how to play the violin can be a difficult but rewarding experience. Playing the violin takes a large amount of knowledge and skill. Violinists must kno...
6 Things to Increase Your Affiliate Income
6 important steps to increasing your affiliate income.
Digital Thermometers
Reviewing the different types of digital thermometers and their culinary uses and how to select digital thermometers.
5 Ways to Increase Business Sales by Contacting Your Existing Customers
One of the best ways to increase your sales and one that won't cost you a lot or take a huge amount of time is by selling more to your existing customers. This ...
Factors that Affect the Nutritional Requirements of an Individual.
Factors that affect the nutritional requirements of an individual.
Soul Mate - a Pain in the Neck
"and they lived happily ever after... That is how our favorite childhood fairytales have always ended. That is how the romantic movies from Hollywood always end...
Budget Tips
To budget, to have a budget and to be on a budget is not a bad thing; in fact, it's just about the best financial situation you can find yourself in.
Caring for Your Horse: Routine Preventative Care
Owning a horse is a huge responsibility for owners of any age. These magnificent creatures need care and attention to ensure your pet is happy and healthy. Ca...
Put The Selling Power of Testimonials To Work to Increase Your Sales & Profits!
Among the variety of techniques available to you as a marketer, there is one that is virtually guaranteed to increase your business... testimonials!
7 Excuses For Not Starting Up Your Weight Loss Diet
With todays selection of weight loss diet plans, you can find a fitness diet taliored for you. You can eat good food, go to the Sizzler's for example once a wee...
How to Choose and Wear The Right Jewelry
Choosing which fine jewelry to wear is no different than choosing an outfit. The key is to trust your taste and stick to your personal fashion style. This artic...
Body Acceptance: The Secret to Weight Loss Success
Can we love our bodies? As the years go by, each decade brings new and unexpected changes. We move from adolescence to young adulthood. For some, the transit...
|
Print this page