Posts Tagged ‘diary writing as therapy’
Sixty years on, my diary has evolved from a private survival tool to an open family record
In 1962, when undiagnosed anorexia nervosa ravaged my 11-year-old mind and body, a small miracle occurred. A Christmas gift of a diary sparked a lifelong passion. A bond of trust and friendship was forged immediately with that little diary. I..
A story of love and acceptance, and a foreign exchange
A pamphlet attached to the noticeboard outside the school principal’s office caught my eye. The year was 1967 and I was 16. The words “essay,” “scholarship,” “USA,” drew me in. The American Field Service was offering scholarships to students to..
Using diary-writing as a self-help tool to connect and heal
Twenty minutes a day is all it takes. Writing in your diary for 20 minutes each day can help you to feel in control of your life. You can write in your diary anywhere, at any time of the day...
Eating disorder recovery involves eating properly: Add a dash of feelings, faith, family and friends to meal time
“FOOD. I HATE IT. I would like to start being kind to myself. And not punish myself with food anymore. To me food is like a cancer, its tentacles reaching into and clawing at my emotions, my feelings, my thoughts,..
Moving on from an eating disorder with help from diary writing
by June Alexander Be the Master of your Ship: Journeying through an Eating Disorder … I am the master of my ship. I am in control. Yet, all too soon, it feels so wrong … … Yet, I can still..
Binge-writing: The role of narrative in my eating disorder recovery
‘Your life is your story. Make it amazing.’ by Ari Snaevarsson Whenever I think of the tools that were instrumental to my recovery, a few always come to mind: accountability through a support system, exercise that emphasized strength and not..
Using journaling to recognize self-harming behaviors and reclaim your own voice
by June Alexander Knowledge is power in healing from an eating disorder. But when you do not understand that you are sick, the illness may thrive, isolating instead of connecting you with helpful others. At some innate level, you may..
Factors to consider when you feel ready to write your story
by June Alexander The writing of a life story or memoir requires preparation and planning, and benefits will come in the process as well as delivery. Choosing the time to write is the first of many factors, for your impression..
“I’m sorry you’re going through that, but you know you’re not alone?”
Regaining healthy relationships from an eating disorder by June Alexander An eating disorder is about more than our relationship with food. When food increasingly dominates our thinking, our relationship with self and with others can disconnect and disintegrate at an..
“Aunt June, you are the problem in our family:” Using the journal to dispel stigma, inside and out
by June Alexander Engaging in the world beyond an eating disorder (ED) means facing up to things like stigma. The perception or inference by others that ED, or any other mental health challenge, is a personal weakness can be demoralizing..