During our discussion, we spoke about any worries Joe might have had about disclosing too much personal “stuff” in his book. His book, he said, actually started as a result of one-page notes he kept to himself for about two years. A friend prompted him to write a book, which he showed his wife after the final manuscript was created.

His wife’s reaction—surprise at the level of negative emotions—gave him pause. If he had to do it over, he said, he would have been more honest with his wife about the impact on him of caring for her mother.

Because, he said, withholding his feelings, not matter how negative or awful, is holding back on his self. When we hold back our self, he said, we hold back our love.

So true! Holding back also holds back any possibility between two people to change, grow, solve and resolve.

I wonder: What truth are you withholding? Tell us here; we’ll help you voice it so you give yourself (and your love) fully.

(Editor’s Note: On Wednesdays, we share a journaling tip as part of our series, Journaling 101. This is our fourth tip.)

There are truths to your caregiving situation that you may find difficult to voice. The truth about your fears, your concerns, your heartache.

These are important truths for you to tell. This week, tell them to your journal. Write freely about your truth as it relates to how you feel about caregiving, what you worry about in terms of your care recipient’s prognosis, what concerns you in terms of your future.

The truth will set you free.

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