BPL Summer Reading 2024: Join Journaling for Life Self-Care MasterMind Class June 17 at Central Library
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| Join the Central Library at 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 17, for "Journaling for Life," conclusion of health life coach C.J. Wade's 2024 Self-Care MasterMind Series. stay tuned for details on 2024-25 class soon. |
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What: The Self Care MasterMind - a group wellness coaching series
Where: Central Library, 1st Floor Grand Commons
Dates: 2nd Monday of each month, September 2023–June 2024 Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Last Program: Monday, June 17, 2024 | Journaling For Life
NOTE: Instructor C.J. Wade and the Birmingham Public Library are in the planning stages of the 2024-25 Self-Care MasterMind series. Please share your thoughts on topics you would like to discuss. Send your comments to Jim Murray at jim.murray@cobpl.org. Thanks for your support. Have a great Self-Care MasterMind Journey!
Birmingham, Ala. - Did you know that self -journaling can be a healthy way to keep your mind focused on this journey called life?
If you need help, make plans now to be at the Central Library at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 17, for "Journaling for Life," the conclusion of the Birmingham Public Library's 10-class Self-Care Mastermind series.
Health care expert/instructor Christina "C.J." Wade will share tips on how to write your own personal journal.
The Self-Care MasterMind series began in September 2023 and concludes on June 17. Classes are held every second Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the first floor of the Central Library, 2100 Park Place in downtown Birmingham.
Wade is a licensed massage therapist and certified health coach. She has owned and operated her own private practice, You Matter Massage and Wellness, in Mountain Brook since 2018.
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| C.J. Wade, instructor for BPL's Self-Care MasterMind Series. |
In a Q&A with BPL Public Relations Director Roy Williams, Wade talked about the benefits of journaling and how to get started.
BPL: Interesting that you are concluding this 10-part Self-Care MasterMind series with "Journaling for Life." Talk about how you chose that for the end of this series?
Wade: With 10 months of self-care tools, it is imperative to combine the knowledge for long-term impact. Journaling is a great way to digest new information and let it soak into the soul.
BPL: I read a fascinating article on WebMD, called "Mental Health Benefits of Journaling," on how journaling can help lead to decreased mental stress (see link here)
Why is self-journaling a healthy way to stay focused on our daily life's journey?
Wade: Great question, and you used the perfect word — journey. Sometimes we forget that life is not a straight road of achievements or heartaches. It is rich with opportunities to learn and grow into the best version of yourself… to enjoy this gift called life.
When we journal, our minds can unravel the stress that tries to entangle us every day. You can breathe through some rough patches and marvel the beautiful places.
BPL: Give a sneak preview of what attendees will learn during the June 17 "Journaling for Life" class?
Wade: One of the thing we are going to do is use an analog clock as a meditative journaling exercise. It's one of my favorite self-care group activities and it is great for minimizing distractions as you write.
BPL: I read this article (Journaling for Emotional Wellness) describing what journaling is. For some, it may be a diary, for others simply writing down their thoughts of the day. What does journaling mean to you?
Wade: I love the part of the article that says journaling helps prioritize problems, fears, and concerns. That was my introduction to using a journal. I didn't grow up with confidence to use my voice, so I wrote my feelings. Having a journal to process moments meant I had a safe space to learn myself as well.
BPL: As we approach the 10-class conclusion, what have you personally learned from talking to people about the issues you discussed?
Wade: I learned that my life experiences empowered me to help others. Nothing was wasted.
BPL: If you host a Self-Care MasterMind class series at BPL next year, are there any new topics you are considering adding or changing?
Wade: Yes! I have ideas in mind, but I'd love to hear from the community we've developed at the library. It's been a great group and I want the community version of the Self-Care MasterMind to always consider the needs of the area. I want to train self-care champions everywhere!
BPL: Any concluding remarks
Wade: It's OK not to know we're to start. It's OK to be honest with yourself. It's OK to seek help. The Birmingham Public Library is exceptional at providing resources to aid your journey for little to no cost. Take advantage of the pathways to be a healthy you. I do!
By Roy L. Williams, PR Director|Birmingham Public Library
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