A Journal for a Mother

Many mothers have found that keeping a journal is a wonderful way to create a record of this special time. It's also a good way to carve out a specific occasion each day for reflection and renewal. Sometimes it even helps you work through an issue. You may already be experienced with keeping a journal. If not, here are some suggestions:

• Pick a blank journal to write in that feels friendly and comfortable, unless you prefer to write on a computer or typewriter. Make sure your privacy will be respected so you can express yourself freely. And try not to be judgmental about what you say or how it all comes out.

• In addition to writing about whatever comes to mind, you might like to reflect regularly on questions such as: What did I accomplish today? What was enjoyable? What's one way I was a loving, skillful mother? What did I learn or how did I grow?

• Explore different styles of self-expression, such as poetry, drawing, dialogues between parts of yourself or between you and another person, letters that you will never send to your partner, mother, or others, and so on.

• Some people like to re-read what they wrote that day, or periodically look back at entries from months or years before.

• There are many lovely books about journaling, such as Keeping a Journal You Love by Sheila Bender, Leaving a Trace by Alexander Johnson, and The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.

More on: Social and Emotional Health for Kids

Excerpted from:

From Mother Nurture: A Mother's Guide to Health in Body, Mind, and Intimate Relationships by Rick Hansen, Jan Hansen, and Ricki Pollycove. Copyright © 2002 by Rick Hanson. Jan Hanson, and Ricki Pollycove. Used by arrangement with Viking Penguin, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

To order this book visit amazon.