Reflecting on the season of giving

It has been some time since we’ve published a post. A whole rotation around the sun, in fact. Here we are again in the season where the days are short and the clock of final days of the year is ticking away.

Perhaps it feels like a season of frenzy.

Perhaps it feels like a season of celebration.

As we approach the holidays, let us reflect on what the season of giving feels like for us.

Though through the frenzy, let us create and accept opportunities to unwind. Let’s remind ourselves to give ourselves the gift of calm, the gift of hitting pause, and the gift of stepping back.

Through the celebration let us give ourselves the gift of gratitude. Let us recognize who and what we are truly grateful for. Let us embrace all that we have accomplished, all that we have survived, and all of the good around us.

And through the season of giving, let us reflect on all that giving means for us. Through the gifts that we select for others, let us also remember to give ourselves what helps us feel nourished. Whether it comes in a pretty package or a simple holiday greeting, let us share what we can give. Whether we are surrounded by those we love this season or remain distanced, let us give from a place of genuineness and pleasure. Finally, however and whenever we see the need, may we give support to those who need it (which really is all of us).

What does the season of giving feel like for you this year?

For us, it will look like all of the above. And as we look to the year ahead, we have plans for continuing the season of giving. We plan on dedicating a lot of attention supporting charitable causes in months ahead. For example, as we lead into the new year, we will be donating all proceeds from the sales of our journals (including blank journals) to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. And extending throughout the year, proceeds from the sale of Reflections: A Journal Companion for the Cancer Journey will be donated to organizations which provide cancer support services. Our hope is that by continuing this season of giving throughout the year, we promote the gift of reflection- the gift that keeps on giving.

Lessons learned from a journaling workshop

One way to navigate adventures and challenges is to record experiences, emotions, and reflections in a journal. 

In my clinical practice, many of my clients bring some insights from journaling into therapy, or they use journals to continue the work that they have started in therapy. The value of journaling as a therapeutic tool can not be overstated.

Many others, I’ve noticed, do not journal, but are curious about journaling. They want to understand what journaling really is, what it can do for them, and how to do it. This is exactly why I have created journaling workshops.

Spoiler: the workshops are a success.

Read on to hear what workshop attendees say about their experiences. I’m sharing what some workshop attendees have shared about participating in an evidence-based workshop series I’ve developed for individuals diagnosed with cancer. I have now run this three-part workshop series with three cohorts since March, 2019, at a community-based oncology setting.

The workshop, complete with exercises and homework, focuses on: 

• Emotional and physical health benefits of journaling

• Cultivating a journaling habits

• Identifying barriers and motivators for journaling to help sustain a journaling practice

My purpose in creating this workshop was to help individuals diagnosed with cancer process the emotional experience of cancer, record personal journeys, and connect with others. My objectives have been realized and expectations have been exceeded.

In their words, they will described some lessons learned in response to a few open-ended questions:

Were your goals met? How were they met or not met?

“My goal was to establish a regular journaling habit. I’m so busy that I put journaling off, but I do enjoy it and this class has helped.”

“My goals were met by using the tools and resources provided to ease my anxiety”

“My goal was to get started with journaling. I tend to keep my thoughts inside and want to leave some notes or thoughts for my family. I had a slow start but I’m getting there.”

“My goal was to try to write a journal about my feelings. I tried hard but I really need to work harder on this.”

“Journal prompts and gratitude focus allows for easy-to-recollect subject matter.”

“My goals were met by the content of the workshop”

“I feel that my goals were met. My confidence in my writing has grown.”

“My goals were exceeded. It was a great experience and I have new tools and processes to help me in the days ahead.”

“I gained insights about where I want to go and how I might accomplish that.”

“I wanted to learn the process of keeping a journal. Yes, goals were met and Dr. Amsellem did an excellent job waking and talking and listening to us throughout the process.”

The next question that attendees had responded to that I want to highlight is related to the unexpected benefits that they received from participation. Here is what they said, in their own words:

Were there unexpected benefits from attending the workshop?

“Sharing experiences and realizing that we all have our struggles.”

“To meet the people and hear some of their stories.”

“Just recognizing the effort it takes to ‘show up’.”

“I drew a positive attitude and emotions from others.”

“What came out of personal reflection, the creative process, and group interaction”

“That I actually want to journal. I was a bit apprehensive about that!”

“The support from the group” 

“I got to deal with some issues that surprised me and gained some insights on what really can work for me.”

“Learning what other cancer patients are currently dealing with and how they approach each day with a positive mindset.”

As suggested here, workshop outcomes are overwhelmingly positive. Most notably, every participant has completed the workshop with a greater sense of community and shared experience, and this happened because they had opened themselves up to the experience of trying something new.

I have recently shared a more thorough account of findings with oncology professionals and healers at an international conference. I have plans to continue this workshop in its current setting and to share it with an even larger audience in the future. Please do stay tuned! Also, I invite you to subscribe for updates so you’ll be in-the-know!

Marni Amsellem, Ph.D.

Founder, Write.Reflect.Grow.