Customer Reviews

Loose Ends: A Journaling Tool for Tying Up the Incomplete Details of Your Life & Heart

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The book's desciption lists it as 176 pages in length, however, it's a bit misleading, as there are roughly 20 blank lined pages at the end of the book. There are also about 60 blank lined pages throughout the book - 2 for each exercise, and 30 or so topic title pages. The remaining pages of consist of a half page each containing a paragraph or two of widely-spaced exercise text. So, basically, there's only about 15-25 pages worth of actual content.

Eldonna's book on journaling is a gentle guide, not a set of rules. It invites, not exhorts, one to peer into the dusty corners and make peace with the ghosts of the past. It's eye-pleasing format invites you to set pen to paper and each section has lovely quotes which set the tone and provoke thought. An all-together pleasing book.

As a long-time journaller who is always looking for new ways to express myself, Loose Ends is a real gift. Although I'd used the Unsent Letter method of journalling in the past - with some very powerful results - this book has given me great ideas on people who I hadn't thought of yet. And the introductions that go with each section are simple and direct - just what I need to get to the heart of the matter with each person. Eldonna's book has been and will continue to be a powerful tool to help me get below the surface in my journalling.

Honestly, the book wasn't what I thought it would be. I don't know what I expected exactly, but I know I didn't expect it to be about writing a bunch of letters to people. Don't get me wrong. I liked the book. The entire book is about writing to someone like to your mother, to your father, spouse, siblings, teachers, etc. Which felt surprisingly freeing. I got to write down things I would never tell them in person. I wrote down things that I didn't even realize I felt until once I began writing. It's your choice whether or not you decide to share your letters with anyone, but either way you can benefit from the book. You realize the good and bad things about a person and are so grateful they are in your life and you also decide on ways to improve your relationship with that individual. Overall, I think it was a good beginning book on tying up loose ends.

As a facilitator for journaling workshops I am constantly on the lookout for articles and books to expand my knowledge and share with clients. Loose Ends by Eldonna Bouton landed in my mailbox today and took the technique of "Unsent Letters" to new heights. This workbook takes you on a journey of closure from children and parents, to pets and teachers, to friends and your own epitaph. Each section begins with a beautiful, appropriate quote and is followed by a thought provoking writing prompt to get your pen moving. What a wonder-filled gift for family and friends! I look forward to sitting with this book on New Year's Eve and putting some closure to certain aspects of my life, allowing me to begin 2004 with a fresh outlook.

This lovely book is full of insightful and inspiring writing prompts designed to help the reader literally "tie up" the loose ends of our frayed lives. You can work through it consecutively or at random and writing space is provided for your responses to the prompts. The book is a welcome addition to the vast library of books relating to journaling and self help.

This book provides easy, gentle guidelines for moving beyond troublesome spots in your life. Writing unsent letters is a basic yet powerful journaling tool. Once I started the exercises in the book, I was able to release much that I had forgotten I was holding inside. These exercises are wonderful for moving beyond personal obstacles.

This book was invaluable in helping me. I learned so much from the author, and her book has given me new insights into my own life. I'm looking forward to more from her. As a writer, I have benefitted from her teachings, and my work has more depth and meaning. Cheers for Ms. Bouton!

Just reading through the 30 simple and direct exercises, one will begin to step into old memories, joyful or unpleasant. Each exercise reaches deep into life and heart experiences; particularly those they may keep us from moving on: a relationship that failed, the loss of a friend, parent or child, a problem boss or co-worker, childhood or adult wounds, guilt, misunderstandings, people we loved, people we wish we'd never met, or things we'd rather not remember at all.

Each journaling exercise, each topic addressed, sets the stage and offers just a hint of guidance for stepping into a painful or sorrowful past and moving through it.

Loose Ends is not only a great personal working tool, but an excellent gift for a friend or family member. It's beautifully designed, easy to carry, and simple to follow. Powerful provoking quotes throughout.

A highly recommended book for men and women who are ready to let go and live!

I have purchased six of Eldonna Bouton's "Loose Ends". I've given them as gifts to my two daughters, three good friends, and, of course, kept one for myself. Even though I must admit that I cannot force myself to write in the book, I have written pages upon pages to the pertinent people suggested by the author. It has been an uplifting experience. I have gotten rid of a lot of "extra baggage" in my life that has made me feel lighter in spirit and closer to those whom I have written. Thank you, Eldonna, for showing us how to contend with the elephants that are stomping around in our lives.