Journaling can be a powerfully effective self-help tool for some in processing and managing emotions, anxiety, stress, and navigating life’s circumstances and experiences. Each month the If Your ______ Could Tell Your Life Story, What Would It/They Say? prompt will focus on one of our nine pillars, allowing you to create a personalized assessment to action and guide you to your core well-being needs.

EMOTIONS are a fundamental part of our lives. They drive many aspects including how we engage with ourselves and others, the financial decisions we make, how we behave in and manage life’s circumstances, how we give and receive love.

Emotions can be uplifting, joyous, wonderful, and freeing. They can also be scary, difficult, and overwhelming to understand and process. Journaling can be used to help understand the emotions we have, the reactions and behaviors exhibited from experiencing them and aid in processing them. This self-reflection can lead to clarifying your core values and strengthen the relationship with yourself and others.

Grab your journal, find a quiet place, and do not worry about right or wrong, simply write freely and truthfully.

If your emotions could tell your life story, what would they say?

[Reflect + Journal]

1. Think back over your life, allowing the vignettes  of your emotional responses to candidly tell your story. In this reflection, do not worry about what may have been right or wrong, or how others may view it, just be honest with yourself. Make note of any common inflections or any tools and techniques used.

2. How does your emotional wealth story make you feel? Are you happy with it? Does it inspire change? If so, what change do you think is needed? As you reflected over the years, did you notice any change happen organically? If so, what inspired or helped it evolve?

3. What do you want your emotional wealth story to be going forward—the same, or different? Why?

4. What actions need to happen for you to maintain or change your emotional wealth story?

Journaling your emotional wealth story may not be easy. That’s okay. Move at a pace you’re comfortable with, and stop and seek help as needed.

If you think you need professional support please explore your options sooner rather than later. 988 is the US national help line for free and confidential conversations (988lifeline.org). You may also want to check with your employer’s health/medical plan or their EAP (employee assistance program) which typically offers an initial set of sessions free. Your local city or state may have options as well.

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