Journaling A Journey – Book Review by Anne Pitcher
Talking to storyteller Wendy Wolfson, you soon realise what an extraordinary person she is. Faced with a diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer in November, 2023, she amazingly and courageously, began writing about her journey in such a way that it could help others who face this terminal condition.
Winding her story back a bit, Wendy had therapy for three and a half years to help with childhood trauma. When it finished, she wanted to make something special for her therapist. Thus began a journey of making a ‘junk journal’. She had a sudden inspiration to make a book filled with personal and recycled materials, creating a journal of memories and ideas, using mixed media. She used pages torn from old fairytale books, old train tickets, fabric scraps, lace and ribbons, buttons – anything really. Only later did she discover that what had brought her joy, was an actual ‘thing’ called ‘junk journaling’!
Her work is wonderful, whimsical, always with a flavour of storytelling weaving in and out of each page. You most definitely get the feeling of this immensely creative, caring and loving person with every page.
Wendy soon discovered people loved her work and for a while sold her junk journals. But finally, she stopped selling them “I became sad when I sold a book and missed them – it seemed like a little part of me had gone with them. I never regretted though, the ones I gave away to friends and family”
When Wendy became ill last year and then was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer, a Nasopharyngeal tumour connected to her brain, astonishingly she started writing about her cancer journey! Wendy said “I had thought of writing a book and had asked Mary Turner Thomson about how to begin the process of writing a book. Then in November 2023, after meeting with a psychic who had had a near death experience, I connected more with my intuition to write the Guided Messages in the books ‘channelled from a deeper source’ as it says in Lea’s blurb, which I think is a good way of putting it. I’ve been writing channelled messages for a long time but that session with her brought the book into focus and gave the idea of putting the messages at the end of each chapter.”
Even when Wendy was undergoing cancer treatment in December 2023 and was very ill, she continued to create ‘Journaling A Journey’. At the end of each chapter which has a unique theme, she decided to have uplifting messages, guiding the reader on their own path to healing. Wendy offers a supportive hand in coping with any challenges the reader may be facing. Remarkably in six months Wendy completed the book which was published on 6th May 2023.
Wendy draws on her own personal experience and professional training, bringing her skills as a professional storyteller and many years of experience as a practitioner of Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and Therapeutic Life Story Work.
I recommend reading this book – it tracks a remarkable person on a journey which continues with her battle against Stage 4 cancer and uplifts the reader with its beauty.
From an interview with Anne Pitcher in June 2024
Journaling A Journey by Wendy Woolfson
Amazon rating:5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon comments:
Embark on an inspiring journey alongside Wendy Woolfson as she confronts stage 4 cancer with unwavering resilience. In her poignant memoir, Wendy shares candid reflections on the first six months post-diagnosis, interweaving tales of childhood trauma, mental health, spirituality, and her cancer journey.
Through her honest storytelling and Guided Messages, channelled from a deeper source, Wendy provides a beacon of hope, offering solace and wisdom from her own transformative experience.
With grace and authenticity, Wendy’s memoir serves as a testament to the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. Her words inspire hope, reminding readers that even in life’s darkest moments, there is light to be found within ourselves, guiding us toward healing and inner strength.
“Journaling A Journey is a most extraordinary and powerful book …” Sef Townsend
“… an encouraging guide through whatever anguish or despair you’re experiencing. … Woolfson’s book offers a path to healing and renewal.” Dr Michael Williams, storyteller, author and End-of-Life Planning Facilitator.
“… useful insight and advice on how to deal with life’s challenges …” Tamar Dresner
