Events › Using Journaling as Self-Reflection During Treatment with Claire Jones

Claire Jones will be presenting "A 50% Chance of Paralysis: How I Utilized Journaling as Self-Reflection During Cancer Treatment," where she discusses how writing is like oxygen and helps her heal. 

In this presentation, the audience will learn about:

• How art and writing can be used as a healing tool to cope with trauma
• How to apply 'Clarity, Awareness, Presence, Acceptance and Gratitude' to cleanse your emotional palette on a daily basis
  
• How using inspirational and motivational quotes can help galvanize your healing journey
• How to self-advocate when you don't feel represented as a minority woman in a medical setting
• The importance of believing in yourself and your inner power during a debilitating crisis and critical life-changing moments
• The mental health benefits of documenting your crisis through journaling so you can view your progress
• How to find self-love when you don't recognize yourself in the mirror
• My Call To Action: Get Ahead of Your Life Before Your Life Gets Ahead of You

Claire Jones was recently described as "fighting ongoing cancer." Reading that made her realize that this description did not adequately speak to her process. She realized she was not fighting ongoing cancer. She continues to fight the causes that created the effect or manifestation of cancer in her life: she was looking for herself in places where she never saw herself. She believes cancer manifested in her body because of all the traumas and stresses she suffered physically, emotionally, and psychologically.

Cancer is no longer 'ongoing' for her, but the process to combat the underlying issues that cause cancer is ongoing. Writing and speaking about her cancer journey is helping her to heal. In order for cancer to not return, she must live a disciplined life of vigilance, diligence, and consistency. She does this daily via a personal 5 step system she devised and implement daily to keep her centered called, ClarityIsJustSoHip: 'Clarity, Awareness, Presence, Acceptance and Gratitude.

Claire Jones is a DV and cancer survivor, Buddhist, Frances Perkins Scholar, and Mount Holyoke graduate. Goalcast, BestSelf Media, YOPP published her works. In 2020 she spoke virtually to DV activists at YWCA Central MA. She's the co-founder of Sista Creatives Rising and "Art & Mind," which showcases creative folk who are underrepresented women and marginalized genders.