Question for people in relationships: ------------------------------------- What do you do when you are frustrated with your partner, or want to have a serious conversation with him or her? Do you turn words over and over in your head? Do you try to talk to your partner while full of intense feelings and have conversation turn into an argument? Read below to learn how to be clear and calm when you talk to your partner.

Journaling is different than keeping a diary, as you may have done as a child. It is not writing about your activities to create a daily or a weekly record. It is not writing for sake of just writing your thoughts. It is writing that transforms.

Journaling may seem overly simplistic. So much so that many of you -- while reading this article and thinking it's a good idea -- will actually never pick up pen and write, simply because you think it couldn't possibly do any good.

However, when done right, journaling allows you to freely express your feelings and thoughts and gives you a much needed, safe outlet. And believe it or not, when you have an outlet, feelings and circumstances becomes much easier to deal with and solutions emerge where once there were none.

Here is how to have an effective, powerful journaling session:

1. Pick up your journal, which can be a notebook, a sheet of paper, or a journal - anything will work.

2. Set aside a bit of time when you will not be disturbed and where you are granted privacy. I have known people who journal in their car or in bathroom. Be creative.

3. Decide on a topic - how you feel about being single, how you feel today in general, how you feel about a situation in your relationship, what you want to say to a certain someone, etc.

Here are some additional tips to help you choose a topic:

** Describe an issue or a problem in great detail. Then write about where issue comes from, what you think and feel about it, what your life is like because of it and how your life would be different if it were solved.

** Dialogue with yourself to resolve issue. Write down all of your thoughts. Then write down all of your feelings, describing both in great detail.

Webster's Dictionary defines compassion as sympathetic consciousness of other's distress. But first step toward having compassion for others is having compassion for yourself. It is first step toward creating thriving relationships. It is first step toward moving forward and growing your life.

This is because we can never truly give to another if we are empty, if we are tapped out, unnourished. Sure, we can push ourselves to give even then. But giving won't be genuine. At same time, giving to others while you are empty makes you feel resentful. This is why it is extremely important to always care for yourself first.

The last time you were sick, did you take care of yourself way you would a sick child? Did you fix your favorite meal, sleep for hours on end, and take a day or two off from work? Or did you instead push yourself through discomfort and low energy, all time telling yourself you can't afford time to be sick?

The last time you were sad, did you hug yourself, take a good long time to journal, and call a friend and pour your heart out? Or did you instead continue with your routine, pushing yourself even harder, telling yourself to get over it?