Pen and Paper Therapy: Finding Healing Through Journaling with Mary Potter Kenyon

On this episode of the "Helping Families be Happy Podcast," host, Christopher Robbins husband and father of nine, residing in the Central Valley of California talks to Mary Potter Kenyon. She holds a BA in psychology from the University of Northern Iowa and is a therapeutic art coach and certified grief counselor trained under renowned grief expert David Kessler. Mary is also an author of six books, including "Expressive Writing for Healing," "Refined by Fire," and "Called to Be Creative." She conducts workshops on creativity, finding hope and healing in grief, and expressive writing.

 

Episode Highlights

• 01:56: Mary started journaling after her first husband passed away in March 2012 and has filled over 20 journals since then.
• 02:31: Christopher expresses curiosity about the significance of journaling, especially for those who may have started journaling as children with entries like "Dear Diary." He asks Mary to share the science behind journaling, its importance for personal development, and ways to develop the habit.
• 02:43: Mary reminisces about having a little diary with a lock and key when she was 12 but mentions that she got rid of it as she grew up.
• 02:58: Mary mentions the concept of expressive writing for healing, which is not about passing something down but rather a tool for personal healing.
• 04:42: The discussion highlights the therapeutic benefits of journaling and how it has been found to be effective in numerous studies and scenarios, making it a valuable tool for individuals facing a range of challenges and emotions.
• 06:05: Mary addresses common hurdles that people face when starting a journaling practice and she advices on how to begin and what to write about.
• 08:59: Journaling might not be a daily practice for everyone. It's okay to journal on weekends, once a week, or even less frequently, as long as it fits into your routine and serves as a beneficial outlet for your thoughts and emotions.
• 10:45: Christopher discusses the various journaling methods he has tried, from hardcover lined journals to leather-bound art paper journals to simple composition notebooks.
• 11:41: Christopher and Mary discusses whether using technology for journaling is a good or bad thing and explores the convenience and potential drawbacks of digital journaling apps.
• 13:19: Some people may prefer typing due to comfort or practical reasons, such as arthritis or illegible handwriting. Mary acknowledges that digital journaling can be a valid and accessible option.
• 15:02: Mary discusses the therapeutic and reflective benefits of journaling, even during periods of joy and contentment in life. 
• 17:22: Mary discusses the value of reading and preserving personal journals for future generations.
• 18:06: Mary shares her own experience of reading her mother's letters from the 1960s, which offer a glimpse into her mother's life as a mother raising ten children. She highlights how journals and letters can reveal a person's growth, struggles, and the different facets of their life beyond their roles as parents.
• 19:36: Mary and encourages listeners to consider starting their own journaling practice in the coming year, emphasizing that journaling is a low-cost and accessible way to document their experiences and emotions.

3 Key Points

1. Mary encourages the idea that journaling should be a freeing and expressive practice that suits your unique style and preferences. The key is to make it a personal space where you can process your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without worrying about judgment or rules.
2. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to journaling. It's about finding the time and style that work best for you and making it a meaningful and consistent practice in your life.
3. Mary and Christopher underscores the therapeutic and historical significance of journaling as a tool for personal growth and self-reflection.

Tweetable Quotes

• “Journaling is not a new practice it is historical documents that often exist because people kept journals or diaries. It's a way of preserving history.” – Mary
• “There are no rules in journaling. You don't have to worry about neat handwriting, perfect spelling, or adhering to specific guidelines. It's a personal space for your thoughts and feelings, and it's okay if it's messy.” – Mary
• Journaling can help individuals process their thoughts and emotions, whether they are going through difficult times or experiencing moments of gratitude and growth.” - Mary

Resources Mentioned

• Helping Families Be Happy Podcast Apple
• Podcast Editing