I love writing. In my opinion, it's the best form of expression and a
great way to work out your feelings. I've used writing to journal
away pain, vent, get a better perspective on a circumstance, and
basically express every emotion under the sun. I have used writing to
express my love and gratitude towards others. And, I've used writing
to earn a living.

But what does one do with those words that really aren't very nice?
The ones you've written in your journal, in hopes no one ever see? Do
you really want to keep them lingering around the house to one day be
found by a loved one? Or worse…the person you vented about? And is it
wrong to think ugly thoughts about someone you love dearly?

The truth is that life is full of ups and downs and along the way, we
find ourselves confronted with feelings we're ashamed to admit we
have. But if we don't voice them and let them linger in our hearts,
they'll manifest themselves into all sorts of awful things:
bitterness, depression, physical ailments, and worse—unwarranted
lashing out on others.

But voicing our feelings to another person may not always be the best
answer. Sometimes, we just need to find an outward way of expressing
our feelings without hurting someone in the process. And journaling
can do that.

You might be thinking, "But if I write them down, someone could see
them! I couldn't let someone see how I really feel about them or how
ugly I can be, at times." But you have to ask yourself, what happens
if you don't work through your feelings?

If you're worried someone might find your words to be offensive,
hurtful, or ungodly, write them out, lock them up in a filing
cabinet, wait a few days, pray over your words, then shred or burn
the papers you wrote on. You'll not only feel better, but you can
begin the healing process within your own heart.

Whether you decide to keep your thoughts forever, or discard them
shortly after you've written them down, journaling can be a road to
self-discovery and healing.

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About the Author
Alyice Edrich is the author of several work-from-home e-books,
including one that allows parents to earn $50 in two hours without
joining an MLM or home party business. She is also the editor of The
Dabbling Mum.com– a national publication for BUSY parents
( http://thedabblingmum.com ).