I’m happy to be interviewing Dawn for her one year anniversary of her journal writing workbook, “Life Lines: Celebrate Your Journey”.

 Before we start here is a little bit of information about her. Dawn M. Espelage has been working in the human service field for over 10 years. She has a Bachelors degree in Social Work and a Associates in Mental Health. She finish a two year management program through Radford University and is currently in the process of getting her graduate program. Her passion is to help people move past their personal road block to lead a more happy fulfilling life. She shows this through her journal writing workshops and books.

Thank you Dawn for giving me the opportunity to go through your new workbook. In the beginning of the workbook you give a short but powerful story about your own journey. Did you find it hard to write about your past?

Over the years I’ve processed some early trauma through journal writing which is one of the reasons why I teach others because I’ve personally found it such a powerful tool; so as I was writing the introduction to the workbook my own story weaved itself in as an example.  At the time, it didn’t seem difficult but what I’ve found since is that writing a “mini-memoir” has deepened my own process and some additional issues bubbled to the surface of awareness, allowing for additional healing.

What do you hope your reader will take from your story?

For those who are stuck in their own journeys due to past baggage, I hope my story and the exercises allow them to move forward.  For those not “stuck” I hope they still work with the journaling tools for self-discovery and creativity.  What I find incredible about journal writing is the many versatile layers it offers.

Once your readers move past your story. They are no longer a reader on the sidelines but a active participant. What should their mindset be as they begin?

Ultimately my approach to coaching and workshops is that there are no rules.  When working with the exercise, use the suggestions if they work for you.  If they don’t, modify it in a way that feels true to you.  Journal writing, art journaling and life story writing really are all about the individual voice.

On your blog, Life Line Journaling, and also a couple of times in the workbook. You discuss the “Treasure Chest”. Can you please explain what the general purpose of it is and why is it important?

I love that you ask this!  The idea for me is that we all have such rich treasures that we are given, both internally and externally.  I utilize different prompts for individuals to explore those treasures, to remember them and to recognize that they themselves are treasures as is life.  This concept is so important to me that I recently finished a set of e-guidebooks for the journey and planned on selling them.  Instead, because I want this message out and available to others, I am offering Treasure Chest e-Guidebooklet for free on my blog & website.

The process of changing your core can be a difficult at times. What are your suggestions for the reader to help them progress through those parts in your workbook?

First, remember to be gentle with yourself.  Allow whatever time you need as you work through the exercises.  I have found that I can come back to these exercises over time and re-work them because of the many different phases we have in life.

For the readers who is on the cusp of wanting to change their mindset but are nervous about the journey. What would you like to say to them?

Welcome!  Enjoy wherever this writing journey may take you and be true to yourself along the way.  If you need additional support, I do offer guidance both individually and through workshops.

I also want to thank you Raven for hosting this event!

Thank you Dawn.

Dawn is offering a great giveaway for this month. You can have a chance to win this insightful workbook along with this great Treasure Chest. You can click the treasure chest for more information.

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