Writing in journals allows you to "speak" feelings and thoughts without censoring or concern of being understood by another person. Writing is a way to have an extremely safe, honest conversation with no negative consequences. It is a way to "dump" without anyone getting hurt. When you can "dump" by writing, you are less likely to do so in your relationships. You are also more likely to continue to grow and develop, which is what's required for attracting your ideal relationship.

Here is a list of situations where writing in a journal is useful:

• Every morning
  Write to get clear about your intentions for the day, your feelings, your thoughts, and your wants.

• When you feel frustrated or afraid
  If you are single and get frustrated or afraid about being able to attract your ideal relationship, write about your feelings. If you are in a relationship, journal about your fears and wants.

• When you want a breakthrough or an internal shift
  Writing is one of the more potent tools to use when you want to put an end to a behavior or a thought pattern.

• When you feel angry or unheard in any relationship
  Write when you have feelings that are too strong to express to another person. When you write about your feeling and thoughts first, you will be able to have a much more productive conversation later.

• When you don't know what or why you feel
  Writing is a great way to get clear about what you feel why you feel it and to make sense of any situation.

• When you feel full
  Write when you feel full and discontented for no apparent reason. By putting down your thoughts and emotions you will create space and perspective inside.

Journal writing is different than diary keeping some of us did as children. It is not writing about your activities to create a daily or a weekly record. It is not writing for the sake of just writing your thoughts. It is writing that transforms. Below are some ideas to begin writing in your journal.

Techniques and ideas for effective journaling:

• Describe an issue or a situation in great detail. Then, write about where the issue comes from, what you think and feel about it, what your life is like because of it and how your life would be different if it was solved.

• Dialogue with yourself to resolve the issue. Write down all of your thoughts, then write down all of your feelings, describing both in great detail.

• Pretend the person or people you need to communicate with are in front of you. Write down every thing you want to say to them, including your thoughts, feelings, reasons, etc.

Happy Journaling!

(c) Rinatta Paries, 1998-2002. Do you know how to attract your ideal mate? Do you know how to build a fulfilling relationship, or how to reinvent yours to meet your needs? Relationship Coach Rinatta Paries can teach you the skills and techniques to attract and sustain long-term, healthy partnerships. Visit www.WhatItTakes.com where you'll find quizzes, classes, advice and a free weekly ezine. Become a "true love magnet(tm)!