From the Piney Woods Lessons: The Power of Journaling During the Holidays

We’re so grateful to share this special insight from PJ Hamilton’s From the Piney Woods, a heartfelt story about overcoming trauma, self-doubt, and the weight of the past. In her journey, PJ discovered the transformative power of journaling and therapy—a combination that helped her unlock a life of purpose, self-compassion, and resilience.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to recognize that while Christmas is a joyful time, it can also bring stress, challenges, and emotional triggers. Whether it’s the busyness of the season, the pressure to make everything perfect, or the resurfacing of difficult memories, this time of year can feel overwhelming. Journaling is a powerful tool to help you navigate these challenges with clarity and grace.

Journaling: A Key to Self-Discovery

For PJ, journaling was more than just putting pen to paper. It became the tool that helped her recognize deeply ingrained patterns of fear and self-doubt.

• The Inner Critic: Journaling gave her a mirror to see how her thoughts—rooted in unresolved trauma—were holding her back. By writing about her fears, she uncovered how they were influencing her decisions and preventing her from moving forward.

• The Realization: Her past wasn’t an anchor; it could be fuel. Journaling helped her reframe her struggles as evidence of resilience, not failure.

Transforming Pain into Purpose

PJ learned to turn her pain into strength, using journaling to explore her emotions and rewrite the narrative of her life.

• From Sabotage to Strength: Writing about her fears of failure and hesitation to take risks allowed her to see how those feelings were shaped by past experiences.

• Dreaming Again: By journaling, she began to dream, set goals, and thrive. It was no longer about avoiding her past but embracing it as a foundation for growth.

Journaling Through Holiday Stress

Christmas is a time for celebration, but it’s also a season that can bring up feelings of inadequacy, loss, or overwhelm. Journaling can be a powerful way to work through these emotions and keep the joy of the season at the forefront.

Here are some journaling prompts to help you navigate holiday stress:

1. Gratitude Reflection: Write about what you’re most grateful for this holiday season. Focusing on gratitude can help shift your mindset during challenging times.

2. Holiday Goals: What are the most important things you want to prioritize this Christmas? Write down what truly matters to you and let go of unnecessary pressures.

3. Memories and Emotions: Reflect on a favorite Christmas memory and what made it special. If difficult emotions arise, journal about how you’re feeling and what you need to support yourself.

4. Self-Care Plan: Use your journal to brainstorm self-care ideas for the holiday season, like quiet time for reflection, a walk in nature, or connecting with a friend.

The Power of Journaling and Therapy Together

While journaling provides clarity, pairing it with therapy can help turn insights into actionable change.

• Journaling: Helps you observe and process thoughts and feelings.

• Therapy: Helps you work through emotions and create healthier habits.

Together, these tools create a synergy that turns self-criticism into self-compassion and fear into purpose.

A Challenge for You This Holiday Season

Take a moment during the busy holiday season to try journaling for yourself. Write about:

• A fear or hesitation that’s been holding you back.

• A holiday tradition or moment that brings you joy.

• A vision for how you want to feel this Christmas season.

Finding Peace and Purpose in the Holidays

PJ’s story is a reminder that your past doesn’t define you—it prepares you. By journaling, reflecting, and seeking support, you can move beyond fear and shame to create a life of growth, purpose, and strength—even during the hectic holiday season.

Thank you for being part of TPKK Concepts and allowing us to share PJ Hamilton’s insights with you. If you’d like to learn more about PJ’s story, or her book From the Piney Woods, stay tuned for updates and opportunities with her newsletter.

May your holiday season be filled with moments of reflection, connection, and joy. Remember to take time for yourself and the healing power of journaling.

Warmly,
Pam Dwyer, CEO
TPKK Concepts LLC
Plus One Publishing