The Caregiver's Companion: How Journaling Saved My Life and Can Help You Too

As a caregiver for my mom, who has Alzheimer's, I've found solace and support in an unlikely place: my journal. Journaling has been a constant companion in my life since I was just 7 years old when my mom gave me my first journal. Little did she know that this simple gift would become a lifeline for me, helping me navigate the ups and downs of life, including the challenges of caregiving.

Over the years, I've filled countless journals with my thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I have boxes of them in storage, and I love to revisit them from time to time. Even the ones from my early years, filled with musings about school crushes and teachers I didn't like, hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of how far I've come and how much I've grown.

Journaling has been there for me through some of the toughest times in my life. It's helped me process the loss of family members and friends I thought I'd have forever. It's been a safe space to explore the spiritual abuse I endured in the church I grew up in and the racism and discrimination I've faced. When I've struggled with financial traumas, a traumatic marriage and divorce at a young age, the loss of a pregnancy, and the end of a relationship I thought was the love of my life, my journal has been there to catch my tears and hold my broken heart.

Through bouts of depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, and the isolation of the pandemic, writing has been my therapy. It's helped me make sense of the narcissistic abuse I've experienced throughout my life and the identity crises that have come with it. When I've made mistakes that have cost me more than I'd like to admit, my journal has been there to help me learn and grow.

Now, as I navigate the challenges of caregiving for my mom with Alzheimer's, I turn to my journal more than ever. Caregiving can be a lonely journey, even with a strong support system. The emotions, fears, and questions that come with it can be overwhelming, and not everyone has access to or feels comfortable with a therapist or counselor.

I truly believe that everyone can benefit from regular journaling, even if it's just for a few minutes a day. I journal almost every morning as part of my routine, along with prayer and reading or listening to a sermon, podcast, or music. It's a sacred time for me to connect with myself and my experiences.

I know that many people struggle with journaling, whether it's because they feel too vulnerable to share their true selves on paper, they don't think they have enough to write about to make a difference, or they simply don't know what to write. I've experienced all of these barriers myself, even as a seasoned journaler.

That's why I've created a set of 365 journal prompts specifically designed for caregivers. These prompts, inspired by my own journaling practice and conversations with other caregivers, are crafted to spark vulnerability, connection with self, awareness of your experience, and help you uncover what you may not be noticing while caught up in the whirlwind of caregiving.

To get you started, here are four "starter prompts" you can use for daily journaling:

1. What emotions have I been holding back or avoiding? How can I create space to acknowledge and process them?

2. What small moment of joy or connection can I experience with my loved one today? How can that change the way I feel?

3. What is one thing I'm grateful for in this moment, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant?

4. What is one way I can show myself compassion and kindness today, even amidst the demands of caregiving?

If you're ready to take your journaling practice to the next level and commit to connecting with yourself and your experience in a deeper way, I encourage you to explore my full set of 365 journal prompts for caregivers. These prompts will take you on a journey tailored to the caregiver experience, helping you cultivate intentionality, self-awareness, and self-compassion along the way.

Remember, any amount of journaling is beneficial. Don't worry about how much you write or whether it's "good enough." The act of putting pen to paper and giving voice to your experiences is powerful in itself. Your journal is a safe space for you to be fully yourself, without judgment or expectation.

As caregivers, we give so much of ourselves to others. Journaling is a way to give back to ourselves, to nurture our own hearts and minds as we navigate this challenging journey. It's a reminder that our experiences matter, that our feelings are valid, and that we are not alone.

So, whether you're a lifelong journaler like me or just starting out, I invite you to pick up a pen and give it a try. You might be surprised at the strength, wisdom, and resilience you discover within yourself, one page at a time.