Unlock the Power of Online Journaling: Heal Yourself and Inspire Others
Unlock the Power of Online Journaling: Heal Yourself and Inspire Others
We experience a wide range of emotions, so why not embrace them openly? Thrive had a chat with Laura, the founder and director of the online platform needsandco.net, about the advantages of open journaling.
What inspired you to create Needsandco?
I lost a dear friend to suicide while navigating those tumultuous teenage years filled with hormones and relationships. Fast forward ten years, after much self-growth and self-awareness, I noticed a gap in the mental health market that needed to be addressed. I’ve been working on it since February 2020 and launched it in July 2020.
What’s the idea behind Needsandco?
The concept behind Needsandco is to create a non-judgmental space that encompasses all aspects of being human and our mental wellbeing. It’s a public online journaling platform where people can submit and share their personal experiences with the Needsandco community. The goal is to help others feel less alone in their struggles and to understand that these feelings are a normal part of being human. We also share interviews with professionals and visual editorials, with more exciting content on the way.
How has Needsandco helped you personally?
Having navigated through some challenging experiences of my own, creating a platform to help others has been a healing process for me. I find joy in helping those in need, and what better way to do that than by being transparent about our struggles? This transparency fosters a stronger understanding of mental wellbeing.
Why is it important to share our lived experiences?
It’s crucial to be transparent and unlearn the notion that suppressing emotions is a sign of strength, a belief passed down through many generations. Every human being experiences emotions—pain, grief, trauma, love, sadness, anger. I believe that sharing our stories can have a significant impact on others. It gives people the chance to relate to our experiences, gain knowledge, and find solutions to achieve inner peace. While we can’t control external events, we can learn to make our internal selves at peace with the knowledge that human emotions are normal.
Do you think digital platforms have a place in collective storytelling and journaling?
Absolutely. It’s simply a new way to journal, just as powerful as writing in a physical journal. Both methods have incredible healing powers.
How has personal journaling helped you?
Journaling has helped me release emotions, whether through crying, talking, or yelling into my pillow. It’s a cathartic process that allows for emotional release and healing.
Online journaling is not just about documenting your thoughts; it’s about connecting with others, sharing experiences, and fostering a sense of community. It’s a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, benefiting both the writer and the reader.
