Journal Information

Fire In My Heart, Ice In My Veins A Journal for Teenagers
A journal for teenagers experiencing a loss

ACentering Corporation Resource
By Enid Samuel-Traisman, M.S.W.

A Note from Enid
Experiencing the death of a person you care about is probably the most
painful and confusing event you ever have to face. Having it happen now, when you are already dealing with the ups and downs of being a teenager, may feel unbearable at times. You may have a lot of strong feelings, questions, concerns and opinions to sort out. It’s hard to make sense of it all.

Even though there may be people around you who will listen, you may choose to keep your thoughts and feelings private. Keeping your feelings bottled up inside can make you feel even worse. This journal can be your special place to safely explore what you are going through. In this journal, you can privately record the details of your relationship, the death, your loss and the profound effect it is having on your life.

There is no right way to feel when you’ve suffered the death of someone you care about. Your feelings are as individual as you are and as unique as the relationship you shared. This journal has many statements reflecting the many normal thoughts and feelings teenagers experience after a loss. Every statement need not be completed, only those that strike an emotional chord in you and feel right.

It may be helpful to read through your journal in a special place where you feel safe and won’t be disturbed. Sometimes you may have a lot to write, other times you may not. You may just want to doodle, or color in the illustrations while you daydream. You may write on any page that reaches you emotionally, regardless of whether it is in the beginning, middle or end of your journal. It might be helpful to date each entry so that you can look back upon your journey and see how your feelings have changed over time.

This journal is for you. It is about you and the person who died. Just
reading it will let you know that all your feelings are normal, even though some may feel crazy. Writing in it will help you explore your feelings and encourage you to get them out, which is healthy for you. Writing in the journal will ensure that you will never forget.