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Penny sits at a wooden table in a softly lit room. She is writing in a notebook. A small table lamp with a white shade provides light. A red pencil case sits on the desk near the lamp.

When Talking About Feelings Is Hard, Try Writing

Penny has always loved reading and writing. She realized years ago that sometimes she can’t use words to talk about her feelings or thoughts, but she can write about them. That used to look like questions and answers written back and forth while we sat side by side.

A close-up of an open spiral notebook with a colorful polka dot border. The page contains a handwritten response to a prompt that asks, “Do you feel yucky in your body? Is there anything you need.” The response says: “No I do not feel yucky in my body and just cuddle and reading together is all I need.” The final response says, “Sounds great”

There are still times when we use Google docs to communicate. And this year, she started the habit of journaling a few days a week. She’s growing her inner world and ability to express herself through something she already loves to do.

When talking is hard, try writing.

Penny sits at a wooden table in a softly lit room. She is writing in a notebook. A small table lamp with a white shade provides light. A red pencil case sits on the desk near the lamp.

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  1. Gregory Wienke March 27, 2025 Reply

    Good for you, Penny! I find it *much* easier to write about things than to talk about them. I can take my time when writing, after all! I joke that I am a “graduate” of the “Ummm… Errrr… Uhhh… School of Public Speaking”. Stage fright is a real thing! Talking in small groups is *easier*, but still not easy!

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