Enthusiastically, Dawn

Last night I was having dinner with a lovely group of women gathered together to discuss a book we all had read when the conversation turned to journaling.

Well poke me in the eye and say cheese!

I was downright pleased and enjoyed the direction of our chat. These ladies are great listeners, and sensitive talkers. I came away looking forward to the next time we get together. But it also brought to the forefront of my mind the joy I have whenever sharing my thoughts about about journaling, and helping others find their way to enlightened, inspired, enjoyable writing. I realized how much I miss sharing, both online and in person, the discovery and delight that accompanies the act of journaling .

It also reminded me of my desire to update my book, “Journaling for Discovery and Delight” which I temporarily removed from Amazon. It may be available used, or from sellers who have copies in stock, but otherwise, it is in the archives until I submit the revised edition. Many of you know all of the prompts in this book can also be found here on my blog from the original endeavors (search 21 Day Journal in the search bar at the top of my website).

I have written extensively about journaling on this blog, as well as shared in person for workshops. Some of you may recall in 2019 I fulfilled a long time dream to become a Certified Journal (JTTS) Instructor- not that it was needful, but it was an amazing,enriching experience that deepened my appreciation for sharing and supporting well with others. Traveling to Colorado and spending a week with Kathleen Adams and a dozen fellow journalers from around the country and even one from overseas, was powerful. Kathleen Adams is considered on of the pioneers in journaling. Along with Ira Progoff and James Pennebaker, Adams rounds out the three who led innovative transitions in time and contributions made within the world of journaling. These are the innovators and influencers who have allowed what we now see in research, and media about the benefits of journaling become mainstream.

I have found journaling to be key to support my personal development over the course of a lifetime. It has helped me in overcoming childhood trauma, managing life changes, fleshing out my schedule, making realistic plans, brainstorming ideas and goals, venting on paper (instead of on social media), working through transitions, increasing clarity for daily living, remembering what matters most, keeping myself emotionally grounded, allowing me to tap into my creativity, developing my prayer life, and documenting life as I go.

Really, journaling is a support system and habit I use to help me function well in life. My journal serves as a a springboard, and record. A journal can be whatever you need it to be in the sense it is a blank canvas. I find myself drawn to the blank page to discover what is going on – TRULY- in the undercurrents of my emotional, intellectual, psychological person. Basically it’s me working through my life on paper. I don’t try and make it into something, instead I use it to help support me move through my days well…a journal (which really is any notebook) is like your own personal assistant. It’s here when you need it, silent when you don’t.

All this to say, I wanted to share a few blog posts to encourage your journaling practice. Here are five blog posts that I hope will inspire you to pick up your pen and write:

1. My Top Ten Best Rules for Journaling
2. Journaling through Difficult Feelings
3. How Journaling Can Save the World One Mere Mortal at a Time
4. What is a Sustainable Journaling Practice and Why it Matters for You
5. Journaling: Lifestyle, Practice or Process?

Here are a few for your faith life:

1. Discover Intimacy with God Through Journaling Scripture
2. Discover Joy with Creative Scripture Journaling
3. Consecrating Your Journal for the Journey

How about some journaling jump starts? Here are a few to get your pen flowing. Advent will be upon us before you know it so I am including the Season of Light!

1. December Journaling: All is Calm, All is Bright
2.  Advent Anew: 25 Journaling Prompts to Approach the Season
3. Remembering Your First Journal
4. Journaling Prompts For the Birds
5. 50 Opening Lines From My 2023 Journal

Qne quick note about these links, as many of you know now, I am no longer using social media, my prior links and use of hashtags in these posts are mostly obsolete. Please just disregard these references in the posts. Although my Instagram The Journal Enthusiast is still visible, I have lost access to it by deleting my primary account which was EnthusiasticallyDawn. My You Tube accont is up, though videos are archived. My Facebook page Enthusiastically, Dawn is held by my husband though I am not using Facebook at all. You can access the 21 mornings I did live journaling 10-15 minute prompts through that platform. If you have any trouble accessing anything there, please e-mail me at dawn.paoletta@gmail.com.

Thank you for being here. I hope you find one thing that inspires you in a new way. I encourage you to subscribe to my blog as this is the only space I am sharing content at this time.

May you enjoy both discovery and delight in your journaling!

Enthusiastically, Dawn