I've got a bad headache this morning, so I'm not going to spend too long looking at the computer screen...but I just wanted to drop in and post a few bits and bobs for you!<P>I've been keeping a journal for the past 3 weeks or so, and although I know many of you do the same thing - for those that don't, give it a try. I just write everything and anything down in it, I ramble on about all sorts of stuff, whatever comes to my mind at the time. The very act of doing the repetitive writing is soothing and calming in itself, and it really helps to get my feelings down on paper. I know that one day I will have a ceremonial burning of this journal as it contains so much pain and hurt that whatever happens with my marriage, I want it destroyed eventually.<P>I am also keeping a second journal - but this one is for the happy times, times when I've found peace, or pleasure, along with the day-to-day sort of stuff. If you think back to your day, there are always some moments of brief relief (even if it was just a nice cup of coffee). Write about these things too - little things, seeing a cheeky chipmunk scampering about a tree, feeling the warmth of the sun on your back, treating yourself to some chocolate cake - anything that has been pleasurable for you. I also write in this second journal, inspirational poems and quotes that I've found, and also a daily affirmation for myself (see below). This journal will not be burned, it will be a reminder of my strength and will to survive - that I can find small oasis's of happiness in the midst of such pain.<P>I've also recently taken to writing a daily affirmation at the beginning of each morning, in my 'happy journal'. Something simple, a little reminder of my qualities and my own self-worth. Yesterday, for instance, I wrote: "I appreciate nature and the gifts it offers me", and today: "I am strong enough to survive the bad days"<P>Try it, it does help!<BR>love Paint<P>P.S. - I'm now off to take my Prozac and a couple of Ibuprofens LOL!<p>[This message has been edited by Paintbox (edited June 07, 2001).]

It is a great suggestion. The pain is very fresh for me. H hasn't decided if he wants to work at our marriage or not. Confiding in my friend offers me some releif, but I'm down again in no time. I bought a journal to write in, but haven't started yet. I think the idea of two journals, one for pain and the other for the happy moments is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.

Hey Paintbox,<P>I called mine the "misery journal" and I have three. I'm happy to say that I haven't had to visit it in many months. Your idea of a happy journal is good. I have an empty journal in my closet which I think I will use for good thoughts.<P>Thanks for the idea. <BR>Enjoy your morning cocktail. <BR>

A poem...<P>If you think you are beaten, you are;<BR>If you think you dare not, you don't;<BR>If you want to win, but think you can't,<BR>It's almost a cinch you won't.<P>If you think you'll lose, you're lost;<BR>For out of the world we find,<BR>Success begins with a fellow's will;<BR>It's all in a state of mind.<P>Life's battles don't always go<BR>To the stronger and faster man,<BR>But sooner or later the man who wins<BR>Is the man who thinks he can.<P><BR>hugs, Paint. <BR> <BR>Keep writing those affirmations!