it is so useful to keep all of your thoughts recorded in one place. You can reflect daily, weekly or look back over time at the feelings you have had. Now that your pain finally has a legitimate voice: not hidden, not guarded, not sanitised, you can see how your feelings have changed over time. You can also analyse some of your thinking. It may be that some of your thoughts are wrong and some of the beliefs you have, about yourself and others, are incorrect. Seeing your views in print, acknowledging them, you now have a chance to challenge them. Having a private, yet permanent, record also serves as a reminder of things you have previously worked out but since forgotten -- it's surprising how often this happens. Keep writing -- it's easy to get distracted and lose touch with ourselves but journal writing allows our thoughts and emotions free reign in a safe setting. If you have found the process of writing valuable then keep setting aside that small daily amount of time to keep on top of your feelings and allow an outlet for your emotions. If you haven't yet ventured into writing a journal it is something worth trying. If you are in therapy, your counsellor has undoubtedly suggested it as a useful tool for self-knowledge. Any old exercise book will do. Or perhaps you can find a beautifully bound book of empty pages which feels like a treasure to hold and look at. Begin to