I am so excited to Wendy Kipfmiller-O’Brien as my guest reviewer. Today, she is reviewing “Journaling Power” by Mari L. McCarthy which is available in print and e-book on Amazon, Create Write Now, and Barnes and Noble. You can also add it to your GoodReads reading list.
Here is a book that gives you a roadmap to managing your own wellness. This book could easily replace most of my self-help books. There are three things that make this book special: an open, relatable narrator, who is also the case study; excerpts and quotes from top experts in the healing benefits of writing; and easy, tried and true exercises to inspire your daily writing practice.
Her genuine self-account on silencing her inner critic, reclaiming creativity and finding her true self is just what the reader needs to begin or move forward on a path that can be daunting. Daunting because Mari’s method of journaling is WORK. There is a commitment to writing daily. Preferably 1-3 pages, but if you’re feeling blocked, at least check in with your journal to keep you in the habit. I have at times written the date at the top and doodled. Sometimes the doodles will lead to words. There is so much magic in this daily practice!
For those of us who have experienced trauma, there are some who feel very disconnected from ourselves, both physically and emotionally. Since I began utilizing these tools, I’m starting to actually experience my own emotions, rather than avoiding them. I’ve also learned to take a minute to actually feel what’s going on inside my physical body instead of just throwing medicine at it.
What I’ve learned from Mari and her books and workbooks is that the real power of journaling lies in the consistency. Over the years I have taken breaks from journaling. Things happen. We get side tracked by major life events, and we push the journal aside instead of reaching for it. The problem is you lose that vital momentum in discovering the next link in the chain. I’m always relieved when I finally get back on track with my journal, but I almost feel I’ve taken a step or two back from where I was when I set my journal aside.
The final chapter on goal setting is perfect. The exercises took me to a new place where I was able to step outside of my old brain and see things anew. There are exercises included to help you face your fear and frustration associated with reaching your goals.
Another bit of magic are the a-ha moments, things like mini discoveries about myself, and others that are a result of exercises in this book. They may not even be directly related to what you have written, but BOOM, there it is—some distant memory of your childhood, or a realization of why you’re not getting enough sleep.
Mari cites the best pioneers on writing therapy and gives us the gift of her own personal experiences to keep us engaged. I believe this is how she’s built her community of creative and dedicated journalers. This is my second time reading Journaling Power, and it has brought about new and different self-discoveries this time around. What a gem.
About Journaling Power
Can the simple act of putting pen to paper lead to healing? Author and musical artist Mari L. McCarthy used her own journaling power to relieve her symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Now, it’s time to access the power of journaling for yourself.
Inside of Journaling Power, Mari L. McCarthy, founder of CreateWriteNow.com, shares her personal tips on how to use journaling that will lead to self-growth and life-changing transformation. You will also read about scientific medical studies that discuss the healing abilities of journaling while learning step-by-step guidance on how to:
- Reduce physical pain and overcome illness
- Heal emotional wounds from past traumas
- Resolve inner conflicts and create self-compassion
- Conquer limiting beliefs and fears
- Reconnect with your inner healer
- Reduce stress and find inspiration
- Set realistic goals–and discover the motivation to make them happen
Whether you need to heal from stressful life events or learn how to put yourself first, Mari L. McCarthy guides you on a journey of well-being and self-care. With Journaling Power, you unlock the powers of this self-healing tool to lead a life of joy, compassion, creativity, and growth. So, grab a notebook, a pen, and a quiet space, and reveal the strength of your unconscious mind.
About Mari L. McCarthy
Mari L. McCarthy, Founder and Inner Work Tour Guide of CreateWriteNow.com shows curious health-conscious people how to use Journaling For The Health Of It®️ to heal the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual issues in their tissues and to know and grow their True Self. She’s the multi-award-winning author of Journaling Power: How To Create The Happy, Healthy Life You Want To Live and Heal Your Self With Journaling Power. She’s also created 20+ Journaling For The Health Of It® Inner Journey Workbooks that include Who Am I?, Declutter Your Life In 28 Days, and Take Control Of Your Health In 24 Days.
Find her online at:
Website: http://createwritenow.com/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/CreateWriteNow
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwtlBKKHXAfl_fZjLtOGMHA
About Today’s Guest Reviewer
Wendy Kipfmiller-O’Brien is a creative professional, freelance graphic designer and proprietor of her own design business, www.snixysnix.com. Her journaling journey began around the age of 11, and took on many forms over the years including art journaling, poetry and collage. Along with her journaling practice, Wendy enjoys books, practicing yoga, making art, and playing with her two black labs.
Thank you to Wendy for her review and to Mari for an amazing book. Want to be my next guest reviewer? Sign up here.
A good review!