Some clients write a lot: morning pages, books, screenplays, complaints, memories.

Some others do not, but they would like to start because every corner of social media advertises the benefits of journaling for personal development.

Is writing so enlightening and necessary? Ancient philosophers seemed happy walking and talking simultaneously, but then they started writing.

Nevertheless, if we do not have words to name our feelings, they do not exist.

We can only have bodily sensations if we cannot find words for feelings.

The feeling might be in the pit of your stomach; it could be thick and cold and look like a slug. Only when you put a name to it (shame),  you gain agency over it.

You are gaining control.

So yes, let's write. If you have no experience with personal writing, the quickest way to start is to write a list.

For example, the list of the things I thought I would never do but I did:

• I went on holiday on my own.
• I had a baby.
• I jumped from an aeroplane.
• I had my appendix removed.
• I told my mother I loved her.

Convinced? Some more

1. All the funerals you have been to
2. All the pets that you had/have.
3. Books you will never read with the reasons for not wanting to read them
4. Symptoms you are experiencing recently.
5. Write a list of all your thoughts when you wake up at 3 am.
6. The reasons why you hate/like/are not interested in your neighbours.