Review: Heal Yourself with Journaling Power

I know from personal experience with more than one of Mari McCarthy’s courses and books that she’s onto something—Mari’s journaling methods opened up my journaling practice and transformed it from a “Dear Diary” record of life events to a meaningful practice in which I found inspiration and answers by looking within. And it’s no surprise that her previous work Journaling Power strikes a chord with her personal account of transformation through journaling.

But what I didn’t expect when I delved into Heal Yourself with Journaling Power was for such overwhelming evidence that the journaling community, specifically Mari’s has expanded, and what’s more, that it has included experts in science and medicine as well as writing. For those who missed Journaling Power, the book opens with a recap of Mari’s own story of the transformation of her health. What emerges in the following chapters is a collection of testimonial essays that pick up where Mari leaves off, expanding on and deepening the concept that a consistent journaling practice can be transformative. Each essay includes an introduction by Mari, a personal story, a lesson learned, and a journaling prompt that helps readers to begin a path to similar results.

What was even more impressive was to read that science and medical communities are now endorsing journaling as a viable component of healing. It’s something that Mari and members of her “CreateWriteNow tribe” have experienced for years and is now being validated by a wide array of professionals. Turns out that the fine shimmering thread that runs through any successful writing practice, whether it be journaling or any other creative writing, is also found in our search for health and happiness: a “healthy internal dialogue” according to screenwriter turned psychotherapist Dennis Palumbo in his Foreword to the book.

The chapters on rewriting your life story and manifesting your dream life are particularly inspiring. Reading the essays is uplifting. The lessons learned resonate with all of us. Follow any of the prompts, and you’re a member of the burgeoning global journaling tribe. All you need are a pen and some paper. And this book. Get yours here (signed copies here).

Print Length: 143 Pages

Genre: Non-Fiction/Self-Help

Publisher: Mari L. McCarthy

ISBN-13: 9780463807361

ASIN: B07R47JT1T

I’m a writer of magical realism, a mentor to women writers of all ages, and a story magic archaeologist. I hold an MFA in Creative Writing, and I live in Los Angeles with my husband and our two Imp Muses (cats) Stanley and Sofia. Join my mailing list for a free guide on story magic!

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