what should i write in my journal?

[DJM]

Hi any suggestions of how not to write too much and not to quit writing in my picking journal?

when should i be writing?
what if i'm embarrassed of it being found and read?
what can i do to not stop writing in it?

any suggestions are welcome, thanks

[beensqueezin]

DJM!!

Hi there how are ya Chica?
You should be writing in your journal as often as possible I would say do it at night instead of picking, that is what I try to do though I have been unsuccessful at times

You have to keep your journal in a secure place. I don't think anyone is rude enough to read your journal. Hide it in a drawer, in the closet, somewhere. I am sure you will find a great spot.

What can you do to not stop writing in it? Um I really can't answer that question, but you do not want to dedicate your journal soley to the misery of picking. Write some goals in there or some happy things that happened in the day or even in the past. You want to write good things!!!

You know it is so funny how we are trained to remember the bad and forget the positve, (at least I am ) Because whenever I go back and read my journals, I rember all the bad things like they were yesterday, and then I will stumble on a page of great positive things and I am like, "who wrote that?", "I don't remember writing that or feeling that way". It's because I was so used to writing about all bad things and very rarely the good. If we focus more on the good our lives will also become good.

Good luck and happy writing!!

Luv Ang

[Andy]

I think it's important not to hold anything back when writing in your journal and let your writing flow freely. Don't be picky about using the proper words, spelling, or grammar - anything like that. When I was seeing a therapist about my CSP, she told me to write in my journal as much as possible. Journaling is a good way to take a break and allow yourself to feel those emotions that you are feeling at the moment that otherwise would go unnoticed and be forced into your subconscience. Sometimes they are not always good feelings and you may feel uncomfortable feeling them but at least their brought to the surface and you can cope with them appropriately by crying, or hitting a punching bag- whatever- instead of them being brought to the surface by picking and going afterwards why did I just do that. It also helps you to identify the reason for your feelings which, in turn, enables you to naturally start the problem solving. I think it's great that you've chosen journaling to help you deal with CSP. It takes a strong person to try to change. I journaled for a while and I really felt like I was getting a hold on my picking when I'd stop picking and tell myself to write in my journal instead. But don't get discouraged if it doesn't always work. I remember writing in my journal that my feelings were so intense that I had to pick. But hang in there. Be strong. Be good to yourself and take care.
Andy