Note to Self

July 1, 2008
OSheaapproaches journal writing asa therapeutic tool and an aidto helping journal keepers discover new strengths and develop others, find previously unsuspected dimensions and depths of their personalities, and uncover and confront painful realities. This self-discoverycombines depth with breadth, so as the writer records both lifes mundane minutiae and family-altering crises, he or she acquiresknowledge of the most valuable kind from dreams andcandid accounts of personal crimes and misdemeanors. OShea includes her own journal entries in each chapter, coveringdifferent eras in her life, and provideswriting tips andjournaling exercisesdeveloped to empower the act of externalizing thoughts, feelings, and, ultimately, oneself. She also includes instructive passages from the journals of notable writers, such asLouisa May Alcott, whorecords her winters earnings in 1855: $120, which includes $20 for her storiesif I am ever paid.A listing of sources rounds out this interesting addition to journaling aids that emphasizes its not the rereading where one finds solace but in the writing itself.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)