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Divorced and Thriving: How to Break the Stigma Around Second Chances

  Let’s be honest; nobody walks down the aisle thinking they’ll one day be divorced. You plan the wedding, dream of forever, and hope love will always be enough. Unfortunately, it isn’t always so. And when it all falls apart, society often makes it worse. Especially here in Nigeria, where aunties at every family gathering suddenly become relationship counsellors, whispering things like, “What happened?” or “You’ll find someone soon, by God’s grace.” As if your worth expired with your marriage . Now, here’s the truth: divorce isn’t the end of your story. It’s a chapter; a painful one, yes, but also powerful. It can be the beginning of rediscovery, healing, and even thriving. So, let’s talk about breaking the stigma and embracing second chances in love, in life, and in yourself. 1. The Stigma Is Real, But It’s Also Outdated: In our culture, divorce is still whispered about like a scandal. People say “she’s divorced” in hushed tones, as if it’s a crime. Men face judgment too, t...
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The Art of Journaling: 5 Therapeutic Benefits and Techniques

 



Young African woman writing in a book


Journaling is more than just putting pen to paper. It’s a powerful tool for self-discovery, reflection, and healing.

Whether you’re navigating life’s challenges, seeking clarity, or simply looking to cultivate greater self-awareness, journaling can provide a safe and supportive space for processing thoughts and emotions.

In this article, we’ll explore five therapeutic benefits of journaling and techniques to help you harness its transformative power.


1. Emotional Release and Processing: One of the primary benefits of journaling is its ability to facilitate emotional release and processing. By writing about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, you can express yourself freely without fear of judgment or censorship.

Journaling allows you to explore the depths of your emotions, unpacking complex feelings and gaining insights into your inner world. Whether you’re grappling with sadness, anger, or anxiety, journaling provides a cathartic outlet for processing emotions and finding a sense of resolution.

African man writing in a book

*Technique* 

Free Writing: Set aside dedicated time each day to engage in free writing—a stream-of-consciousness exercise where you write without censoring or editing yourself. Allow your thoughts and emotions to flow freely onto the page, without worrying about grammar, punctuation, or structure.

Embrace the rawness and vulnerability of your words, knowing that the act of writing is inherently therapeutic.


2. Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Journaling can serve as a powerful tool for stress reduction and relaxation, helping to calm the mind and soothe frazzled nerves. The act of writing can be meditative, providing a sense of focus and clarity amidst the chaos of daily life.

By channelling your thoughts and worries onto paper, you can create a sense of order and control, reducing feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.

African man reclining on a chair

*Technique* 

Gratitude Journaling: Start or end each day by jotting down three things you’re grateful for. Cultivating a practice of gratitude can shift your focus from what’s lacking to what’s abundant in your life, fostering a sense of contentment and well-being.

Reflect on the simple pleasures, moments of joy, and acts of kindness that bring light into your life, and watch as your perspective begins to shift.


3. Self-Exploration and Growth: Journaling provides a safe and supportive space for self-exploration and growth, allowing you to delve into the depths of your psyche and uncover hidden truths about yourself.

Through introspective writing prompts and reflective exercises, you can gain insights into your values, beliefs, and aspirations, clarifying your sense of identity and purpose.

Young African girl journaling

*Technique* 

Inner Dialogue: Engage in a dialogue with yourself by writing a letter to your inner child, future self, or a specific aspect of your personality (e.g., fear, self-doubt, or resilience). Allow yourself to speak honestly and openly, expressing your hopes, fears, and dreams without judgment.

Then, respond to your letter from the perspective of the recipient, offering words of wisdom, compassion, and encouragement.


4. Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Journaling can serve as a valuable tool for problem-solving and decision-making, helping you clarify your thoughts, weigh your options, and gain perspective on complex issues.

By writing about your challenges and brainstorming potential solutions, you can break through mental barriers, overcome obstacles, and find clarity amidst confusion.

African man writing at home

*Technique* 

Brainstorming Lists: When faced with a difficult decision or dilemma, create a brainstorming list in your journal. Write down all possible solutions, no matter how outlandish or unlikely they may seem. 

Allow yourself to think creatively and expansively, exploring a wide range of possibilities without judgment. Then, review your list and identify potential courses of action that resonate with you. 



5. Tracking Progress and Celebrating Success: Journaling can serve as a powerful tool for tracking progress and celebrating success, allowing you to document your growth and accomplishments over time.

By setting goals, tracking milestones, and reflecting on your achievements, you can cultivate a sense of pride and motivation to continue moving forward on your journey of personal development.

African lady writing

*Technique* 

Goal Setting and Reflection: Set aside time at the beginning or end of each month to set goals for the upcoming weeks and reflect on your progress from the previous month. Write down specific, measurable, and achievable goals, along with actionable steps to help you achieve them.

At the end of the month, review your goals and reflect on your accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned. Celebrate your successes and adjust your goals as needed to stay aligned with your aspirations.

Young African woman reclining on a couch


Journaling offers a wealth of therapeutic benefits for those willing to embrace its transformative power.

By incorporating these five therapeutic benefits and techniques into your journaling practice, you can unlock new levels of self-awareness, resilience, and fulfilment on your journey of personal development.

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