If you've ever wanted to try journaling, this course will provide answers to your every question. You’ll discover the different types of journaling (including dream journaling), and sample a buffet of journaling techniques, exercises, tools, and resources.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about journaling, including a seven-step process that will ease you into writing a journal, even if you've never journaled before. You'll get detailed instructions on developing, decorating, and customizing your journal, and you'll learn exciting new ways to express yourself and develop your creativity.

You'll find out how you can use your journal to explore your thoughts, feelings, and values, and you'll learn how to use your journal to support you as you develop true emotional well-being. You'll also understand how journaling can ease the stress of unwanted change throughout the course of your life. You'll even discover how journaling can help you choose the best career for you or advance in your current career.

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Syllabus:

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when the lesson is released, but you must complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

A new section of each course starts on the second or third Wednesday of each month. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

Week One

Wednesday - Lesson 01

Have you ever wondered how a journal differs from a diary? Are you curious about the benefits of journaling? Are you aware of the ways journaling can improve your physical health? In this lesson, I'll help you explore these important topics and share with you a selection from one of the most famous journals of all time.

Friday - Lesson 02

If you're like many journalers, you enjoy learning about different tools and resources you can use to strengthen your journaling practice. In this lesson, I'll guide you through taking a closer look at the different kinds of journaling, journals, writing utensils, paper, online journals, and software programs that can enrich your writing. By the time you're finished with this lesson, you'll know much more about journaling tools, aids, and resources than you ever thought possible!

Week Two

Wednesday - Lesson 03

Now that you've learned the basics, it's time to get started journaling! Today I'll share a seven-step journaling process with you to help ease you into writing, even if you've never journaled before. I'll also introduce you to two kinds of writing prompts to jumpstart your journaling. Then we'll talk about how you can protect your journal's safety and your confidentiality as you write.

Friday - Lesson 04

In the previous lesson, I introduced you to two fundamental types of journaling exercises. In this lesson, I'll teach you four more. By adding such tools as list making, writing prompts, dialogues, and unsent letters to your journaling toolbox, you'll not only enrich your journaling, but keep yourself motivated to write for years to come!

Week Three

Wednesday - Lesson 05

Have you ever wondered how to make a journal from scratch? If so, you're in luck because that's exactly what you'll learn in this lesson. And if that's not something that interests you, fear not because you'll also discover other playful ways to customize your journal, such as decorating your journal's cover and myriad ways to incorporate art and scrapbooking techniques into your journal's pages.

Friday - Lesson 06

One of the most important reasons most people journal is to discover themselves. Are you ready to discover who you are? Then join me in taking a closer look at the purpose of thoughts and feelings. In this lesson, I'll help you discover your thoughts, feelings, and values, and demonstrate how to explore all three in the safe space of your journal.

Week Four

Wednesday - Lesson 07

In our previous lesson, you learned about the difference between emotions and feelings and why both are so vital. Today, I'll build on that foundation by delving into emotional intelligence, which is your capacity to work effectively with your own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. I'll teach you how your journal can support you in learning the critical skills necessary for true emotional well-being.

Friday - Lesson 08

Are you a creative person? If you're breathing (and I presume you are!), then you most certainly are creative. Today, I'll share with you a liberating definition of creativity, and guide you on a tour of the three-step creative process—conception, incubation, and birth. You'll enjoy collecting new ways to express yourself and your creativity in the pages of your journal.

Week Five

Wednesday - Lesson 09

A lot of people begin journaling after some significant life change that upsets the applecart of their existence. Has that ever happened to you? In this lesson, I'll help you explore the Cycle of Change and rediscover your life's true story in the process. You'll also discover how your journal can aid you in weathering the chaotic and unexpected winds of change. Then we'll talk about how journaling can ease the stress of unwanted change throughout the course of your life.

Friday - Lesson 10

Are you as curious about and fascinated by dreams as I am? If so, you'll really enjoy this lesson. After teaching you the major types of dreams and dream themes, I'll delve into the power of symbols. Then I'll share a dream journaling process with you that you can implement as frequently as you like. And, if you have trouble remembering your dreams, I'll even show you how to turn that pattern around!

Week Six

Wednesday - Lesson 11

Of all the types of journaling I'll share with you in this course, this is the one you probably know the least about—and need the most! I'll begin this lesson by showing you the career-development process so you can see for yourself how journaling can help you do everything from choose a career or college major, write a resume, prepare for job interviews, or even advance your career to the next stage.

Friday - Lesson 12

So far in this course, you've gained a wealth of knowledge about journaling, discovered more journaling prompts than you can count, and begun to journal regularly. Now it's time to learn how to evaluate your journaling to see if it's helping you in the ways you hoped. I'll teach you how and when to examine your journaling habit and suggest ways you can keep your journaling habit fresh as the years go by.

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Cheryl Simpson.

Cheryl Simpson, L.P.C., is a Career Coach and Ohio-licensed Career Counselor with more than 30 years’ journaling experience. Cheryl is the author of more than 30 articles for both print and Internet media. She also has led journaling workshops and retreats on college campuses, at conferences, in schools, and for religious organizations, and has developed more than 100 journaling exercises and prompts.

Requirements:

Internet access, e-mail, and and the Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox Web browser.

Student Reviews:

"Amazing course! I had no idea that a journaling course would cover some many divirse topics - all related to Life's Journey. Thank you."

"An excellent course. It exceeded my expectations and I am absolutely sure I will use the information throughout the years."

"As it ends up, I did not make the time to do as much journaling as I had intended; however, I still feel the class was worthwhile for me. I gained a lot of knowledge, understanding, and some inspiration from the class. I will take these benefits forward with me. The instructor is first-rate and I have already recommended the class to others. Thank you!"

"As the mother of a child with special needs, I wanted to learn how to journal about the joys and challenges he brings to our family. This class more than met my expectations, and I'm even thinking of writing a memoir based on my journal entries!"

"As this was my first online course, I feel I couldn't have had a better instructor!"

"A very good class. I enjoyed it very much and gained a lot of insight into the subject of journaling.... I am glad that I took the class and would recommend it to others."

"Best class I've taken through ed2go....I would really enjoy taking another class with this instructor, particularly one on spiritual journaling. She is wonderful and the materials were excellent."

"Cheryl, can't say how much I've enjoyed this course. I have learned so much from this. I think one thing I've learned is some of the reasons I wanted to write a journal in the first place. I am definitely going to keep up with this and look for other things to help me."

"Cheryl has a wealth of knowledge on this subject and is an excellent teacher. Her style is friendly and she comes across as a mentor - someone who is sharing the journey. I hope to be able to start to explore all that Cheryl has taught in the not to distant future. I highly recommend this class and would take another by Cheryl if it were offered."

"Cheryl, I'd no idea there was so much to journaling. I can now see how it might become a very powerful tool in my life. Thank you for an interesting, challenging course."

"Cheryl, I loved the class! I too feel like I'm just beginning, even though the class has come to a close. Journaling has been such an enlightening experience.... Thank you for your quick responses and sharing your wisdom with us."

"Cheryl, it has been a great experience! I have learned and written a lot! One thing that I have learned is that I do better with my journaling with prompts."

"Cheryl...I thoroughly enjoyed this class and am grateful for the many journaling prompts and exercises I now have in my portable tote bag need I simply want to be creative or more - to understand and achieve my lifelong goals. I most especially appreciate your immediate and thoughtful words to each message I posted. Journaling is a personal choice, but my necessity. Thank you...."

"Cheryl, I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your class. I've printed out each lesson because there is so much to learn, and there are so many prompts. In fact, I still haven't gotten to the last lesson yet. I found the emotional intelligence very insightful and helpful. I find dialoging with my gremlins very useful. I'm trying to live out my values and create a home and lifestyle that is in synch with them. I am very thankful that I took this class. Thank you, Cheryl!"

"Cheryl, I would just like to take this time to let you know how much I enjoyed this class. It gave me such great insights on how and why I think like I do! You have opened the door to so much, and I can't wait to put things into perspective and understanding!"

"Cheryl- Once again, thanks for an outstanding lesson. I'm having such a blast with my journals. They are becoming so much more then just a place to "dump" my thoughts. This lesson has been a real eye opener for me. I've always been fairly good at self-awareness and self-assessment, self-acceptance and self-esteem were a bit harder to come by, while self-regulation was pretty much a rumor. With the vocabulary and exercises provided in this lesson, I feel like I've been given the key to a treasure, namely me."

"Cheryl Simpson and the course are top-notch…I'm delighted with the wealth of material. I've learned far more than I expected to and now journal every day. Thank you!"

"Cheryl, Thanks for reminding me of this exercise. I've written two and it has helped loosen up that feeling of heaviness and freed me to write again. What an awesome tool to have at the ready, whenever I feel like I'm stuck in a rut. This course has been so helpful. And I appreciate your suggestion to periodically take journaling courses or workshops. I can see how they would help keep my writing/journaling fresh and inspired."

"Cheryl, thank you for a great class. I'll continue to refer to the wealth of material you have given us. Best of all, I now journal every day."

"Cheryl, thank you for a very meaningful class. I know that I will use this material over and over again. I have been inspired to really focus on the benefits to be gained from journaling. The material you had for us was so much more thought provoking than I expected for a journaling class. I have a whole new appreciation for the art of journaling. Yes, you have made me see it in a whole new light. It is so much more than keeping a diary. Thanks again, Cheryl."

"Cheryl, thank you so much for this great class. I especially liked the chapters pertaining to art and creativity. I learned so much. This class provided me with many tools and good ideas for future journaling. I'm looking forward to lots of writing fun."

"Cheryl, thank you so much for your timely and personal responses to each and every post! I couldn't believe how quickly you got back to each of us and how genuinely concerned you are about us. It's great to "connect" even if through the internet, isn't it? One day we'll all meet again, in some form or another."

"Cheryl, there is so much information in your lessons. I feel like I have just brushed the tip of them all and cannot believe all the extras you have supplied me with to move forward with my journaling. I am kind of bummed out that the last lesson is here."

"Cheryl, this class is giving me so many new insights on journaling that I cannot thank you enough. Every week I am overjoyed on Wednesday and Friday as some new information enters my life."

"Cheryl, this class was amazing! You were amazing and knew what we needed. I have so many tools and there is so much I want to write. I learned that I have the power to make decisions, analyze my thoughts and feelings, open up all areas of creativity and plan the next stage of my life. I cannot think of any other class where so much was offered...you've been amazing. Actually, my journaling has just begun but will stay with me and I do believe I have cultivated a new positive habit. Thank you so much."

"Cheryl was fantastic! I would recommend this course to anyone. I have read many books on journaling but Cheryl brought so many new insights into the class. The lessons and all the supplemental materials are phenomenal. I will be a life-time journaler. The class was worth every penny I spent."

"Cheryl - Wow! After reading the first lesson, I feel blessed to have been guided to take this class. There is so much to be learned and gained from this class and I am grateful to have an instructor with your wisdom, compassion and knowledge teaching it. This is a truly a great time we are living in when there is so much opportunity and emphasis on learning about ourselves and taking care of ourselves and there are such mentors as you, Oprah, Cheryl Richardson, Julia Cameron, etc. to guide us on our way to touching our souls. Again, I feel blessed to have been lead to you, Cheryl, and feel much will be gained from taking this class - on many different levels. Thank you for being the person you are and sharing yourself and your wisdom with this class."

"Course was very informative. I will be receiving the benefits from journalling for many years to come."

"Excellent feedback from the instructor. Well done course, I enjoyed it very much."

"Excellent introduction to a wide variety of journaling techniques and exercises! Direct, online interaction with the instructor and other students made the entire course more personal and accessible."

"Excellent material... especially to refer to from time to time... great course!"

"Excellent teacher - this is my first online course and it was rewarding, exhilarating, exciting and a wonderful opportunity! Thank you!!"

"Great course. I enjoyed it very much. Very useful for the person interested in starting to journal again. I used the course to get started journaling again after many years away. Those that have journaled for years will also find it interesting. Hopeful there will be a class continuing where this one ended."

"Great course on the psychology of journaling and I enjoyed getting back into writing. Very inspiring and personal. I have learned much to take with me in my writing adventure. Thank you."

"Great course on the psychology of journaling ... I enjoyed getting back into writing. Very inspiring and personal. I have learned much to take with me in my writing adventure. Thank you"

"Hello, Cheryl! Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful souls with me! I feel like a totally new person after learning this course."

"Hi Cheryl, I have found so many really good sites to visit with your help in this course that I am just overjoyed. My whole world just seems to have exploded into one of so much excitement that I can hardly stay on the ground. Overall this class is just what I have been missing in my life I believe. You are a very good instructor and have many, many good ideas about directing me to places I may not have been before."

"Hi Cheryl, This may be the end of the course, but it's the beginning for me journal-wise. Since the beginning of class, I have a total of 5 paper journals and 1 password protected on a flash disk! I have prioritized a new schedule for myself. If I don't take time to journal each day I find myself missing it. Thank you for a wonderfully inspiring class! I have printed off all the lessons to use in the days ahead."

"Hi Cheryl ... Yes, this may be the *end* of the class, but it has been so good! I've learned so much! I now know ways to dig deeper to explore life using my journal. As I have printed out each lesson, I will have them to refer to when looking for a 'new' journaling idea. Also, I will keep my eyes open, looking to find your name listed as teacher for another class! Thank you, Cheryl. It has been great!"

"I adored this course and finished with an unexpected wealth of knowledge and tools not only relevant to journaling but also for coping with life! I highly recommend this course with Cheryl Simpson to all writers and non-writers. Her teaching methods feel more like conversations with an old friend, rather than lesson plans. Thank you once again."

"I also have enjoyed this class and especially the fact that I will be able to continue to benefit from it for the rest of my life. I have already put the lessons into a binder so it will be easy to refer back to them to review the prompts etc."

"I am so appreciative of this course and the doors and windows it has opened up for me. You have a great gift. Thank you."

"I am thrilled that I have taken this course with you. I have gained new tools in journaling, but most of all, I am not afraid to write down what's really in my heart and/or mind….Intro to Journaling is more than a course. It's a life lesson…Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and all the information in such a non-threatening, reassuring and comforting style."

"I completely enjoyed this course and learned a great deal about journaling. The instructor's style of presentation was easily understood; content provided additional resources for future study/research. Many thanks"

"I completely enjoyed this course and learned a great deal about journaling. The instructor's style of presentation was easily understood; content provided additional resources for future study/research. Many thanks!"

"I couldn't ask for a better instructor. Cheryl is superb! For those concerned about the online environment- not in this class! It's like sitting with classmates and the instructor! Phenomenal course! Thank you!"

"I couldn't have been more pleased. Excellent, excellent, excellent! Kudos to our instructor."

"I didn't expect this class to be as useful and thought provoking as it was. The instructor is extremely versatile in many areas including psychology, arts and crafts and writing. I enjoyed this class immensely."

"I enjoyed the journaling class very much. I feel it opened new doors for me and I will be using the techniques I learned in my journaling from now on. The lessons were well written and interesting. This is my first experience with an online class. I look forward to taking more."

"I enjoyed this course quite a bit. Even though this is a college course and I am still a high school student, it was easy to understand and interesting. There really is much more to journaling that you might think!"

"I enjoyed your class, Cheryl. Your lessons were well written, informative and thought provoking. I'll enjoy referring back to the material as I continue to write."

"I especially loved all the web site references and resources for more learning and fun. The content of this course was way over my expectations and I have so much yet to process and use again and again. I never caught up with all the assignments yet that is ok because this is really an ongoing experience. The instructor's knowledge and skill is awesome and so complete. Great course!"

"I feel like a am new person after taking this course. It helped me find the missing soul that I always searching for."

"I found the instructor's insight to be invaluable. This course was far more than I ever expected. It was wonderfully fulfilling!"

"I found this course to be very informative and helpful. I was surprised that it entailed so much information, all relating to journaling, but helpful in understanding ourselves and how we interact in the world."

"I had a wonderful time exploring the different ways to journal! I have a lot of tools in my journaling tool box and look forward to exploring the areas covered in more detail. Thank you so much - I can't wait to recommend this course to others!"

"I have been re-reviewing all the information you supplied in this class and am using it now to actively explore a career change to a related field. Again thank you for a very interesting course."

"I have benefited immensely from this class and highly recommend it to anyone who has used journaling to explore their inner life and to get honest and current with themselves. The instructor has presented valuable information and resources also for those who are new to journaling. Enjoy! You will not be disappointed."

"I have enjoyed this course and know it will help me improve my journaling."

"I have gained so much from this class. It has come at a perfect time for me as it so nicely melds with the focus of my life."

"I have gotten far more than I ever could have dared to hope for in this class. I am very sorry that this is the next to last class. I do not want it to end. I hope there is a sequel to this class or a related course on career journaling?"

"I have kept a journal (on and off) for 20 years. In the past year, I noticed huge gaps in time between entries, so I decided to take this class to get me back on track. As a result of this course, not only am I writing in my journal more frequently, but I'm having a blast doing so! My entries are more focused and insightful and full of zest and optimism. I've also started to record my dreams, which is a new experience for me. Thank you for giving us the tools and techniques to make our journal writing more efficient, beneficial and fun!"

"I haven't been a consistent journaler and didn't know what to expect from this class so I approached the course with curiosity. From the first lesson I was hooked! Cheryl Simpson opened up a whole new world of self-discovery to me. I had no idea there was so much depth to be explored in myself through journaling. I am excited to have such a wealth of information to delve into and learn from. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to have a life long tool to help them grow in understanding themselves and successfully grapple with the gamut of life issues."

"I have really enjoyed this course with you. Thank you so much. Your lessons have been provocative and I feel enriched by them. My journal is more than my "notebook". My words have painted landscapes for me to relax in, my words have sounded like music to soothe me, my words are powerful and playful, pleasurable and passionate, perfect and private!! Thank you for being the leader or the pied piper on this wonderful journey to discover all the possibilities ... I needed this."

"I have taken quite afew of these on-line courses and this one is one of my favorites.I've learned so much about journaling and myself it's hard to imagine that it's only been six fast weeks. Cheryl, I appreciate all the time and effort you've put into this experience,your thoughts and comments have been invaluable. Do you teach any other courses? I'd love to take a Journaling Tune-up class with you."

"I just wanted to say thank you so much for this class! I learned an incredible amount and want to also say what an awesome teacher you are!! I am slowly coming along in my grief journey, and continue to work at it in some way each day. Anyway, thanks so much again, and if you are teaching any other classes, I would definitely love to take them!"

"I just want to thank you for the wonderful experience your class has given me. I am so glad I took this class! I am looking at the classes offered and trying to decide which class I would like to try next. (And my enthusiasm for taking another class is all because of the positive feelings I got from your class! Thank you!)"

"I just want you to know, Cheryl, that this has been a life-changing experience for me. I've journaled in the past but was just winging it. You've really provided a solid foundation for me to get my thoughts together, reflect on the past, plan for the future -- just everything. I LOVE your organized approach and the way you have layered the techniques allowing for all kinds of exploration. Thank you so, so, so much for this class."

"I knew I would enjoy this class just from reading the course outline, but I didn't expect it to have such a huge impact on me. I rediscovered the joy of writing and used my journaling to make major changes in my life. This has been one of the most powerful experiences I have ever had. Each lesson was exactly what I was hoping to learn, and so much more. I have two degrees, but this course is one that will continue to have a positive impact every day. Thank you so much!"

"I learned a lot, glad I took the class."

"I learned a lot more from this course than I thought I would. I will be using this information for the rest of my life."

"I learned a lot. Thank you!!"

"I loved the course! The instructor is great and was superb in her encouraging responses to each student."

"I LOVED this course, Cheryl was so encouraging and accessible, I hate to see this journey end."

"I love this class!!! I am so inspired by the content and the adventure :-)"

"I mentioned this on the evaluation but wanted to repeat how great I think your course is. My journaling has improved already---I especially liked the "Lists of 100", dialoguing with my gremlins (I have many and they have been very effective in limiting me in many aspects of my life until now!), the cycle of change and the distinction between cocooning and the doldrums, and the concept of unsent letters. I know that I will continue to refer to your lessons in the future. There's so much great information here that I don't know if I can fully absorb it in just a few weeks. I'm looking forward to reviewing the material and practicing the array of techniques/strategies and using the tools you've provided, as well as checking out the web and text resources from the course. Thank you for a great class!"

"I'm new to journaling and this course has been a wonderful surprise. I had no idea the practice of journaling offered so many benefits and can be such a helpful, powerful tool in our lives."

"I never knew that journaling entailed so much. All the info was extremely interesting and helpful. I truly enjoyed the course."

"I never thought there could be so much involved in journaling. It truly has been interesting and so worth taking this course to find out that there is more than just writing "Dear Diary, He kissed me today." Thank you for your hard work in preparing and guiding us through this course."

"Introduction to Journaling has been a rich and rewarding experience for me. Journaling is a passion of mine and I will continue to do it with more imagination and creativity than I have in the past. My creativity and use of colour are more adventurous in my journals, my mandalas and artplay projects, my clothes and my everyday life. Journaling exercises helped me deal with some challenging situations over the holiday season. I feel more comfortable about speaking my truth and setting my boundaries. The course has given me a fresh view of journaling possibilities. From the first assignment, I discovered that my cousin and a new friend are keen journalers too. A journaling group is beginning to take form. Thank you for your inspiring course."

"Introduction to Journaling has been a rich and rewarding experience for me. The tutor's excellent course notes and challenging exercises gave me a fresh view of Journaling possibilities. I have been journaling for over 20 years and will continue to journal with more imagination and creativity than I have in the past. Thank you for an inspiring course."

"Introduction to Journaling has been a rich and rewarding experience for me. The tutor's excellent course notes and challenging exercises gave me a fresh view of Journaling possibilities. I have been journaling for over 20 years and will continue to journal with more imagination and creativity than I have in the past. Thank you for an inspiring course."

"I really appreciated the different techniques and tools of journaling the class afforded. I also am interested in exploring the dream areas more. There was just a lot of information and ideas that I think will be helpful down the line .... Plus... I loved learning to make paper.... Thanks again."

"I really enjoyed the class. I feel that I've only just begun to explore the wonderful therapeutic aspects of journaling. I am working on my certification in poetry therapy which is an arduous yet rewarding program. This class has been a pleasure! Also, while researching one of the class websites I discovered Artella magazine. I've already received two issues and it's fabulous! My only regret in taking this class is that I should have posted more. The instruction materials were excellent as was the teaching format. Thanks for your time."

"I really enjoyed the course too. Cheryl, you are a great instructor and if they ever offer other classes you are leading, I would take them in a heartbeat!"

"I really enjoyed this course and have learned a wealth of information from the reading and the discussions of my colleagues. This course has certainly enhanced my desire to maintain my journal and to make frequent entries."

"I really enjoyed this course and know that I will refer to the material a great deal in the years to come as I continue to explore my journaling habit."

"I really enjoyed this course and the instructor .... I would gladly recommend these courses to anyone and I appreciate all the help that was given in such a timely manner. Thanks."

"I really enjoyed this course. Chapter 11 will be especially useful in the near future when I plan to retire from my current position and take on a whole new career. I haven't been to a job interview in 20 years so I will find journaling over the typical interview questions very helpful. That is something I would not have thought of doing before the course. Great content in this course."

"I really loved this course. It was difficult for me to keep up with all of the assignments because of the lack of time I have but I know that I will use the instructor's lessons in the future. I am already a journaler but this course taught me to become so much more. I really enjoyed it."

"It has been a wonderful and meaningful journey through these journaling classes. Thank you! I am grateful to you for teaching and showing us that there is more to journaling than just "dumping of thoughts" Though the classes have come to an end, it is also the beginning. Lots of digging to be done to know thyself. It will be good. Thank you once again!"

"I think that Cheryl did a great job. This class has really helped me out in evaluating my day to day activities and getting things down on paper and out of my head. I will continue to do this for a lifetime I hope."

"I think this class had wonderful thought-provoking material. ... When I did read the material I felt excited to make sense of some of the things I have been thinking and feeling over the last year... and I was motivated to explore further. Thank you for this."

"I thoroughly enjoyed this class and learned a tremendous amount! Cheryl is an awesome teacher, and I would love to take other classes that she might be teaching!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed this class. Cheryl is an excellent teacher; she obviously went above and beyond to put this course together. I would definitely recommend it!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and the instructor. I'm now looking forward to a lifetime of putting the material to use!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. There was a wealth of information. I regret that I did not get more involved with the discussions. I got bogged down with other activities during the holidays. Besides the assignments there seemed to be so many wonderful suggestions for journaling within each lesson. I plan to spend more time reviewing and I hope to read more about EQ. Thank you for introducing me to a rewarding life long pursuit!"

"I though the course content and assignments were very useful."

"I thought it was a great course with a wealth of information - the resources listed will be useful and inspiring for many years to come. I feel I have received a great deal of help and inspiration from this course. Thank you!"

"I thought it was a great course with a wealth of information - the resources listed will be useful and inspiring for many years to come. I feel I have received a great deal of help and inspiration from this course. Thank you!"

"I, too, enjoyed this course. It is the first one that I've taken on line. There is lots of 'food for thought' to keep my journaling interesting for some time to come."

"I took this class as it looked like it would be fun and it was. However, I was amazed at the amount of information presented here. I now have a huge amount of ideas and projects to pursue and, more importantly, the enthusiasm to make journaling an important part of life. The class far exceeded my expectations."

"I took this journaling class two reasons. First, for fun. I always wanted to taking a class on personal journaling. They are few and far between. Second, I am going through some difficult changes on the job. I felt that this avenue of self expression could alleviate some of the anxiety that I was feeling. Cheryl is an excellent instructor. I felt that the material was in good taste. Overall, the course was fantastic!!"

"It was one of the best classes I ever took. And it was not even held at a class room! Was not sure how I would respond to online class (Obviously, this was the first time I took an online class), but the course was so interesting and stimulating, I went along okay. Highly recommended for anyone interested in journal writing and self discovery. Instructor was very responsive and the course materials offered were excellent!"

"I want to thank Cheryl for the great information that we have received in this course. I am totally loving it. I realized that I have become caught up in a series of "just the facts, Mam" in my writing and have been using some of the techniques that you have suggested. I feel like I have been set free to fly. I have done some letter writing in the past, but suddenly it has taken on a new meaning and purpose. The dialogue technique has infected my brain and I find myself "dry journaling" in my head constantly. What a great release. I work through all sorts of agendas and feel like I have realy accomplished something. Again, thank you for offering this course and helping all of us release our inner voice."

"I was amazed at how much I learned about journaling in this class. Thanks so much to Cheryl."

"I was delighted with this course. Its content and the timing of finding it were just what I needed at this stage in my life. Thank you for making it available and affordable."

"I was surprised at the depth and wealth of learning available through this course. The instructor did an excellent job in preparing the lessons, making them interesting, and useful assignments. Through this course, I have gained a valuable resource--thank you!"

"I will be sorry to see this class end. I have enjoyed it so much and have learned so much from you and everything you have given me. I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for such an exciting, enlightening, and enjoyable learning experience. Much thanks."

"I will promise to stay focused and to grow in this creative continuum. You have helped me to have clarity in this journaling process and to know the power of directing my creativity. Journaling is a creative force that improves with practice.....Thank you for opening a door for me to step through."

"Just a quick note to thank you for your time and inspiration, Cheryl! I have had many new journaling doors open throughout this course, and some of them have been quite challenging. After I made it past the challenges I felt more inspired to go forward and continue to figure out the world (or, at least figure out what my own personal gifts, gremlins and goals are). I know that I will continue in my journalingand writing endeavors, Cheryl .... I have already seen progress in myself, even over these last few BRIEF weeks. This session has flown by. Never enough time."

"Lessons three and four were very helpful to me. It was nice to put a name to the stages that occur and how they actually affect mood and mind-sets. Learning how to journal to maximize individual growth in each of these seasons and to be able to identify what it is, well, that is priceless. Together with that incredible list of common feelings from Lesson Seven, makes me wish for a vacation so that I could take the time and indulge myself......so I just figured out another goal for my writing enjoyment. Reading through all of your material in this course and promising myself to be open to embrace the changes as they occur has somehow been very liberating. I know my writing has been transformed. And truly, wasn't that the whole point? It is just sweet to know that I am not alone. I have been blessed. Thank you."

"Loved the course. Learned so much, given so much to use beyond the class as far as exercises, prompts and assignments. The instructor was most conscientious and thoughtful in her immediate replies to each of the messages I posted. I thought it particularly considerate and attentive that she posted a message following each lesson in the Discussion Area to offer encouragement regardless of the fact very few students were actively participating."

"Loved the course, specifically the instructor's writing style (she made it easy to understand new concepts)."

"LOVED this course! Learned a lot and loved all that I have learned and accomplished with my journaling. I didn't know there were so many areas of learning and I know I will always journal. This course has helped accomplished things that I have put off, because I didn't know how to deal with them. Now I know! Thank you so much."

"Now my journaling has structure and purpose. Thanks for a great class."

"Only the class has come to an end, the journaling continues. Thank you for an enjoyable class. I will be using all the information from this class to improve future journaling."

"Thanks for a great course! I found it all very useful and plan on using the info very much in the future."

"Thanks for the overview of journaling material in this course. The cycles of change and career journaling were the most meaningful to me. I am thankful for all of the prompts you gave us in this course- I still use prompts often when faced with that blank page. I also was able to use the dialogue technique over an ongoing issue with my husband. It was almost magical how spewing all of those emotions and feelings onto the paper enabled me to have a discussion with my husband without pushing each other's hot buttons. Many thanks for a wonderful course."

"Thank you Cheryl for the wonderful class. I would recommend it to everyone, actually, I have! I have been told many times in my life, from many different sources to write, journal, record. I am thrilled that I now have tools to do that!"

"Thank you Cheryl. It was a very insightful and fulfilling class. I gained a great deal of insight into the world of journaling. And I will use it for many years to come."

"Thank you for a mind expanding class. I am now writing again and that is good. I appreciate all the ideas and practice with tools and types of journaling and the psychology of journaling. The class was great and the suggested reading is tremendous. I appreciate all the work you did to accomplish the class. Thanks again"

"Thank you for a very informative journaling class. I enjoyed reading each lesson. As I read chapter 12 I realized that I was stuck in a rut. Now I am armed with new tools to propel me forward."

"Thank you for offering the course on journaling. I have always used journaling as a way of expression but now I know the benefits of journaling."

"Thank you for this class, because I really needed some direction and a safe place to share my thoughts and dreams."

"The course is well rounded and well structured. One word would describe it well, "delightful". Whoever takes it will profit much."

"The course material was well written, informative and helpful. It was an excellent class that was taught by an excellent instructor."

"The instructor obviously is very knowledgeable about her subject matter and presents each lesson in a well thought-out manner. The lessons were all interesting and provided information that was informative and thought provoking. Obviously the instructor cares deeply for her subject matter as well as her students. This was definitely reflected in the enthusiasm with which she responded to discussion topics. Thank you for a wonderful experience all around."

"The instructor was really great to work with and I felt comfortable asking her questions."

"There is a lot of wonderful material here that I will have to go back and reread and absorb more fully. I loved Cheryl - she seems to be a very kind and giving individual. I enjoyed her teaching style (the content of her course was thought-provoking and challenging) and her ability to share her knowledge and understanding of journaling was amazing to me. I can't begin to express how happy I am that I took this course…Thank you, Cheryl, for your insight and knowledge, and for the useful and organized manner in which you presented the class. Again, it was wonderful."

"There is so much ground covered in this course and I am looking forward to making my humdrum journal more interesting. I never realized how afraid I was to "look under the rug" and deal with whatever I find there. Well, now I certainly have the tools for doing that and the rest is up to me. Thank you Cheryl for a great course. I have many new journaling techniques to try and it will be interesting."

"This class has really turned my life around and I feel so much better having a journal program that has taken so much stress out of my life. I really appreciate your help."

"This class is an answered prayer. I am so glad I took this class. This will help me stay disciplined writing and getting my thoughts out. I am at a transition point right now in my life and I need some clarity and a safe place to share."

"This class is an inspiration! I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pace was great and Cheryl was very attentive!"

"This class was amazing. It has opened up a whole new world. Who needs self-help books? Journaling gets to the inside, where all of the answers are. Thank you much for the eye-opening."

"This class was a wonderful experience for me. I have printed out all of the lessons and put them all in a binder where I can work my way through all of the wonderful prompts and suggestion you have given us…Thank You."

"This class was exactly what I needed at this time in my life. I had tried journaling several times prior to this class, and I was not benefiting from it. I felt I was "missing something" in my journaling techniques. I will be using what was taught in this class for many things in my life. Thank you so much for offering such a great class. The instructor's knowledge of areas other than straight journaling came out in her lectures. It was truly a pleasure taking this class, and I would highly recommend it to family and friends."

"This course covered many topics from start to end, none without relevance to life, many with startling timeliness, some with embarrassing clarity. I look forward to the coming winter when I can stoke up the woodstove and leave a crock-pot full of soup simmering and stretch out on the floor without guilt while I read, think, and journal."

"This course far exceeded my expectations. The instructor gave us so much valuable information than can be used for years to come. Thank you Cheryl!"

"This course has been about so much more than just journaling. In reading each chapter, the supplemental material and doing the assignments, we are all being given pathways to inner growth and understanding ourselves. I am in my late 50's, semi-retired and trying to figure out who I really am outside my profession and what to do with myself and where to go from here. This course has started me on that journey to the answers. Thank you."

"This course has been... amazing! I will definitely miss it. I would like to thank Cheryl for all the work she did for the students. You were great!!!"

"This course has been an eye-opener! I feel like I've been in therapy and I now have to say goodbye and move on. Thank you, Cheryl! I will miss your voice."

"This course has given me more than I could have thought. It reinforced decisions that I have to consider about my life choices and how to make them. Cheryl was a great instructor! You could tell her warmth and encouragement through her answers. She stayed in dialogue with the class. When the students stopped dialoguing, she continued - which was great way to let us know she was still there. As Cheryl has indicated "This is a lifetime course" - and I look forward to putting to practice what I've been introduced to."

"This course has opened doors in my soul that I didn't even know existed! I plan on getting more serious about journaling and will use the assignments and prompts that you included in the course to help me. I also plan on taking myself on regular artist dates. Many thanks and blessings to you!"

"This course has opened my eyes (and mind) to areas of journaling I never thought about. I'm very pleased with the knowledge I now have. More than anything, I enjoyed learning more about writing prompts and self-discovery."

"This course opened new doors in journaling. I never realized that there was so much to journaling to get the whole picture. Thank you for doing such a thorough job of explaining the subject."

"This course opened the spiritual and creative floodgates of my soul! Before taking this course, I felt stunted journaling -- knowing I could do more but somehow incapable of overcoming my barriers. It's exciting to think of what more I can do with journaling -- my creative options are limitless! This course is worth it!!"

"This course was a life changer for me. The instructor was excellent in her approach and thoughts. I have enjoyed this course very very much. This has opened a whole new door for me. Thank you!"

"This course was an eyeopener and quite refreshing. Thank you for offering it. I felt my money was well spent and the information was truly priceless and inspiring. It has been a blessing."

"This course was extremely informative. I learned not only the basics of journaling but also how to connect with my inner-self! Cheryl was helpful in the discussion areas and her lessons were easy to follow and understand."

"This course was filled with so much wonderful information!! I have printed out all of the lessons and plan to work through all of the writing prompts and suggestions for journal entries. I feel confident about being able to make journaling a part of my life for years to come."

"This course was more then I expected. I highly recommend to everyone not just those interested in journaling. You will be surprised how much this course will help you with your everyday."

"This course was very informative, exciting and up to date. I really enjoyed taking it especially with Cheryl. She explained any questions I had in a clear and precise way. I thoroughly enjoyed taking this course."

"This course was very informative. Journaling encompasses so much more than I ever imagined. Even though I have finished this course, there is still more for me to learn from it. I definitely plan to take more classes online in the fall!!!"

"This course went way beyond my expectations. I thought a Journal was a Diary. Wrong! I have learned new skills that I will use the rest of my life. I have recommended this course to others and will continue to do so. Thank you!"

"This has been an excellent course and excellent material...I have learned so much, not only about journaling but about myself!"

"This has been a very healing adventure, thank you."

"This has been a wonderful class. Thanks to you, Cheryl, for being a source of inspiration."

"This has been just what I needed. The chapters on emotions and creativity were just what I needed. And I still expect to spend a lot of time on the careers exercises because I really need change in this area of my life. I could easily spend the next six months to a year doing exercises over or journaling using the ideas, exercises and comments in this course in order to fully "get" it, particularly those three areas where I need more work. They all seem like huge issues to me and this is the best way I've found to sort them out."

"This is truly a remarkable class. I love it. My mind is spinning with ideas, creativity and confidence. I have so many directions that I would like to take my journaling ideas. I can see myself working through the process of this class for a few months. Thank you Cheryl."

"This was an enlightening and interesting class. Cheryl is a very good teacher who has a genuine interest in her students."

"This was an excellent class. This class has broadened my horizons in the area of journal writing. I am confident that I can make my ordinary journaling experience into and extraordinary journaling experience."

"This was a very comprehensive and interesting course. I really enjoyed it and benefited in so many ways."

"This was a very enjoyable class. Broadened my view of journaling greatly. The instructor is very knowledgeable and writes well. I found each lesson to be just right in the amount of material covered and had good examples."

"This was a wonderful class. Even with many of life's interruptions, I looked forward to each lesson, and hope to take more classes like it in the future. Thank you very much!"

"This was a wonderful class!!! I don't know how to say it any other way. I truly enjoyed it. I am so glad that I signed up for it. Lots of valuable, useful information that I will continue to refer to in the future. Definetly made a postive impact on my journaling habit."

"This was one of the best classes I've taken to date from ed2go. Ms. Simpson provided excellent lessons and exercises/assignments. What I learned in this class about journaling I will be able to use for the rest of my life. I thank you so much for providing this course as well as a wonderful, caring, supportive instructor."

"This was outstanding class with extraordinary content and superior instruction. Cheryl is an extremely knowledgeable instructor and is also a warm and caring mentor to her students."

"This was the best course I've ever taken! Seriously! Cheryl was extremely knowledgeable about the subject and shared her knowledge professionally and kindly. I have been interested in journaling for years and even tried it a few times but never stuck to it. After learning all the steps, prompts, advice, suggestions, patterns, things to look for, and things to "forgive myself for" I am anxious to journal again in earnest. Thank you Cheryl just for being you! I look forward to taking another course from you in the future. Best wishes!"

"This was the perfect class for me at this point in life. Thank you!"

"thoroughly enjoyed this course. I am coming away from this online course armed and thoroughly prepared to take on whatever I decide to change in my life (both personal and professional) and with the renewed ability to journal my adventures. I want to thank you once again for opening that door and pointing the way to all those possibilities ..... I am filled up with expectant hopes again!! See you on the bookshelves soon!"

"Wanted to say thank you for a fabulous class. Even though I have been journaling for many years, I learned so much! Every lesson was packed full of information that I will be able to use for many more years of journaling. What a treasure!"

"Well organized, vast range of resources, teacher knows her stuff both academically and personally."

"What a great course! Would love to take another course. I had much more fun and learned so much more than I thought."

"What a wonderful course! What I learned is already helping me to clarify current issues in my life, and I am grateful for the useful tools which I have gained and which will help me to know myself. Thank you."

"What is so amazing to me about this course is that journaling is really only the tip of the iceberg. I feel a bit like I am getting a "self-evaluation course," a career counseling session, and a lot more out of this course.… I think if I had to summarize this experience in a single sentence, it’s that journaling for me is a way to explore myself, my life, my feelings, and my actions in a reflective and safe way. Thank you, Cheryl, for this gift."

""When the student is ready, the teacher will appear." (taken from a Buddhist proverb). I can honestly say that this entire class is a testament to that quote for me. Thank You, Cheryl!"

"Wonderful class and instructor! I would recommend this class to anyone ...."

"Wow! How powerful! This course is it's own therapy session! I can't thank you enough, Cheryl. I have been rushing through the lessons because of time restraints, but I can't wait until I can put all of these lessons to work for my well-being and self-esteem. Working at my own pace on my own time .... I just can't believe what I have learned about myself and my feelings in just these last 2 lessons...again, thank you Cheryl!"

"Wow, I never realized there were so many different aspects to journaling!!! What an awakening this course was! I would recommend this course to anyone interested in journaling."

"Wow! This course and our instructor are wonderful. I have learned a great deal and will apply it to myself and my life in the years to come! I am very pleased that I chose this course. Thank you!"

"Yes, I am a little behind in my lessons but every time I read a new one I am fortunate to get so much information and insight into journaling. I had no idea there was so much to it. I just wanted to let you know how much I've appreciated all of the content of this course. I know that it is going to help me get so much more out of my journaling habit."

"You have done an excellent job in the materials you have complied and the order in which you present those materials. In reviewing your materials I can see that the layout and subject matter lends itself to many insights like one I found. You have carefully considered the self imposed roadblocks for journaling and you have given the students a wide and wisely chosen range of tools with which they may gain the enlightenment and skills to overcome their individual resistance. Thank you. I look forward to visiting all the sites that you supplied as references."