A helpful coping mechanism

One of my best friends from elementary passed away a few days ago - when I received the news, my heart started beating fast for sadness, pain, fear, anxiety, and…..panic. The death felt so close and real to me, and I knew I had to sit with these emotions and go through them, instead of suppressing/avoiding them, like I used to do with food. ⁣
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This time, my coping mechanism was journaling, and so grateful for it.⁣
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I write two journal books everyday. ⁣
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In the first journal, I'd write about;
a) 5 grateful things (I was for sure very grateful to be healthy and alive after the devastating news)⁣
b) write about my 10 dreams repeatedly with the sentences as if they have already happened. It is very helpful to keep the highest vibes going and keep moving forward.⁣
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The second journal is to throw any thoughts/feelings, but I always start with 3 wins from the day before to practice gratitude, including something very small like (“I scooped my cat’s poo!”).⁣
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Then, some sentences could be giving whole negative talks to the poor dear journal, or all the great ideas, things to work on, motivations, again, anything. ⁣
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So, I wrote about my fear and panic toward the death and I was able to see why I felt those and didn’t want to waste my time here for trying to be someone else, but, be authentic and share my stories and messages to help others.⁣
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Usually, I journal first thing in the morning (I don’t check any electric devices till the journaling is done) while having either celery juice (yes, just celery, no water, no nothing) or warm lemon water. 
By throwing all the ideas and thoughts out of my brain/heart, I would feel that I have a whole new day, like a blank sheet of paper with hopes and possibilities. ⁣ ⁣

Now, I’m curious! Do you journal? If so, how do you like to do it? If not, what’s stopping you?⁣ ⁣ ⁣

Let me know in my FB Group, tag me with a photo of you working on the post on Instagram @HealthCoachKanna), or Email me ([email protected])! 

Cheering on you!
Kanna

Kanna Laird
I’m a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and Registered Holistic Nutritionist who has intensively studied Emotional Eating Psychology.  I have recovered eating disorders and emotional eating, and helping others do the same. I offer a deep compassion and love while guiding you to increase confidence in you and showing you  abundant hope and possibilities to change.