Writing, journaling, or storytelling is a practice, a hobby, and a process for the psychologically curious person. Join us in a conversation about writing for your well-being, stimulating your brain, and, if you invite others, to hear what you have written, creating or expanding your community.

Each of us has a zillion stories to tell. We often tell the same stories over and over. We believe them to be our truth, the whole truth, the most important truth, what we know to be so. And yet, maybe there is more to consider—the rest of the story.

When you imagine there may be more to the story, you give yourself a gift. If you smile and experience delight when you tell or write a story, enjoy and savor that experience. If, though, you find yourself noisy or uncomfortable inside, turning inward toward that story can bring you more awareness and more choices in your life. If you take note of what matters to you, your values—briefly or with reflection—what are your most important values now? Your values + your behavior—success. Success in life is when your behavior/what you do, don’t, say, or don’t say matches your values.

Consider the questions: What matters? Now what? You might ask yourself questions such as:

• Magic. If you woke up tomorrow and were living the values that matter to you now, what would be different from today?
• If these values are important to you, what are your unexpected choices?
• When will you do what needs to be done to live the life that matters to you?
• How will you remember?

Let’s talk about writing, asking yourself questions about that writing, and having supportive and encouraging conversations. Be amazed at what you discover.

Download this doc to reference during the presentation (PDF)

Download journaling prompts (PDF)

Download a new theme for the holidays: celebrate being ordinary (PDF)

Bonnie Bernell, EdD is an experienced psychologist, an award-winning author, a professor, and an artist. She’s the recipient of the Distinguished Contribution to Psychology award from the CPA. Her new book, Uncovering Treasures that Matter, was just released. As a licensed psychologist for many years, her deepest wish is to see patients, write books, get out of the office to teach what psychology has to offer, and mentor others.