Writing with Purpose Episode 72: Journalling Beyond Words About the Journeys We Never Wanted to Make with Julia D McGuinnessWhat if the most difficult journey you've ever faced was also the one that finally brought you to the page?In this episode of the Writing with Purpose podcast, I'm joined by Julia D McGuinness, author of six books, poet, ex-teacher, and workshop facilitator who guides people through the transformative power of poetry, journalling, and creative writing. Julia's latest book, Writing the Journeys We Never Wanted to Make, offers a blend of therapeutic techniques and poetry-based prompts to help readers navigate life's difficult seasons through the written word. Her work draws on her background as a trained therapeutic counsellor, years of running writing for wellbeing workshops, and lived experience of navigating unwanted journeys.In this conversation, Julia shares how poetry and journalling became a lifeline for her as a teenager, what prompted her to write this latest book, and how she developed her nine-part framework. We talk about the difference between writing down into a pit and writing through something, the role of nature, poetry magic, and how anyone, regardless of experience or confidence, can find their footing on the page."Just give yourself permission to write as you can, not as you can't, to write as you are, not as you aren't." In this episodeThe nine-process framework that gives shape to the journeys we never wanted to makeWhy poetry reaches the places that prose cannotThe difference between writing down into a pit and writing through something, and how to protect yourselfThe ‘heart of the day’ as a gentle starting point for anyone who feels intimidated by the blank pageHow nature and imagery can open unexpected doorsJulia's own unwanted journeys, and how writing became an anchor and a creative outletPractical WisdomJulia shares practical approaches for anyone drawn to writing for wellbeing or navigating a difficult season.Identifying one standout moment from the dayRereading what you've written, noticing, and reflectingSetting a time or page limit if writing feels overwhelmingWriting with your non-dominant hand or with your finger to bypass the inner critic Changing your writing location when you feel blockedHolding onto the three maxims: keep it simple, keep it real, keep it up"Poetry is really helpful language...because it's a different language. It uses images to convey something rather than a diagnostic factual analysis."Connect with JuliaPlease connect with Julia D McGuinness to find out about her workshops and books.WebsiteSubstackBooksAmazonAlso Mentioned in This PodcastA Morning Walk by Steve DilworthA New Theology by Sheila BenderThe Art of Slow Writing by Louise DeSalvoDr Megan HayesDavid KesslerStroebe and SchutJoseph CampbellDr Mark OakleyThe Write for Life conference, StockholmThe Millennium Oral History ProjectThe Weird Stone of Brisingamen by Alan GarnerLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottKidnapped by Robert Louis StevensonPodcast Chapters00:00 Introduction to Julia04:06 The Role of Poetry and Journalling in Healing06:42 Exploring Childhood Influences09:23 The Evolution of Julia's Journalling Practice11:55 The Power of Writing Through Grief19:53 The Connection Between Nature and Writing22:28 The Art of Slow Writing25:15 Reflections on Early Writing Experiences35:43 Navigating Career Choices and Creative Paths40:18 Teaching and Writing51:43 The Therapeutic Power of Poetry56:26 Overcoming Writing Intimidation01:01:26 Nature's Influence01:09:28 Exploring the Benefits of Journaling Workshops_ _ _A new episode is released every other Saturday at 8 am.If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review. It makes a real difference in helping more people find the show.Download your free journal planner PDFConnect with me by ⁠visiting my links pageJoin my newsletter

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