Enthusiastically, Dawn

What is it about journaling that people either love or hate? I’ve often wondered about this, and have had opportunity to listen to all the reasons. I mean, think about it, what is it that goes through your mind when I say the words let’s journal?

Well if you are here, it could be that you are excited to write, but what about you, who has tried before and can’t quite get into it…but you suspect it might be good for you, like say- exercise, a massage, or brushing your teeth -ok maybe not quite like brushing your teeth but I could argue for that too.

Here is the thing, I am not going to pitch all the benefits of journaling – though there are a number of studies that have proven the significant and impressive outcomes mentally and, most fascinatingly, physically. I’ll share this information in bits along the way over the next 21 days. But instead I want to invite you take take my word for it that this activity, and adventure we are about to embark on is worth your time and effort.

Journaling is to the soul what exercise is to the body.

Instead of telling you why, I will allow you to take a break from your phone, or computer or whatever it is that distracts you from thinking your own thoughts and after you have read this blog post, I expect you will take the time to sit. and. write.

First thing I want to clarify- your journal is just a notebook, right? It’s just a bit of bound paper. It might be fancy, or inexpensive. It might be a gift from a friend, or a gift you bought for yourself. But in the end it doesn’t matter. It must be a notebook that you don’t hate using. Ideally, it is not too precious, but a good place for you to ponder with pen on paper…I give you permission to do this- not that you need my permission, but just in case you do. You musn’t be afraid to mess up the pages. You have permission to be messy. You have freedom to make it up as you go. You have the freedom to use napkins stapled together if you prefer. The only rules are to take the time to read, respond, and record your thoughts fearlessly. Do you think you can do that? You can respond ANY WAY YOU LIKE. with words, or abstract doodles I suppose if that’s your thing. Or collage over words if you fear exposure. Write, then paint over or collage over the words… I rarely do that myself, but it’s your choice. That’s my whole point. In order to discover the true delight of this journaling journey, it will benefit you most to be open. Maybe tap into that kid at heart within.

When we watch a movie or read a book, at times we employ what creators call suspended disbelief. I want you to apply this while you are journaling toward judging, criticizing, or even assessing your writing while you write. Set aside or suspend your judgements, criticisms, and assessments for now. Write without judgement. Write without worrying about spelling, write slow of fast. Just write. Don’t try to be a smarty pants…just write and let what comes out come out. Let yourself be surprised.

This is the warm-up for the journey. The first lap around the track, just to get you ready for the race. But this race is not for the fastest, it’s for the faithful. The one who shows up is the one who wins. Are you ready?

First Things First

Journaling Check list:

1. Notebook, pen
2. Your journaling “item”
3. A place you can write without distraction
4. A timer
5. Recommended but not required: quiet, silence

Begin Here

Once you have your place to write ready, and your special journaling “item” in view. Read over the prompts, set the timer and but don’t begin yet. Take a few moments to tune into your body. Be aware of your breathing, and take a few deep breaths. Notice tension, where it is and allow yourself to stretch a bit. I like to take a moment to just listen. I I allow myself to listen in the quietness and hear whatever sounds there are. When you are ready, and settled in- hit the button on your timer and begin writing. One requirement is to try your best to keep writing for the duration on the time. You don’t have to make sense, but you do have to keep writing. You can write your observations, your frustartions, and even write about not knowing what tyo write. When the timer goes off, you can put your pen down. Stretch, breathe, sit. You are done.

Let’s Write

Set your timer for 5 minutes. Choose from the following prompts and respond. Don’t start the timer until you have chosen the prompt you want to respond to and have a chance to sit for a moment with it.

Reflection:

1. I want to journal because…
2. The idea of writing my thoughts down on paper…
3. I believe words have the power to…
4. When I think about writing in a journal…
5. I want to write in a journal regularly but…

Quotes:

1. “This is my life…my story…my book. I will no longer let anyone else write it; nor will I apologize for the edits I make.” – Steve Maraboli
2. “There is a place called ‘heaven’ where the good here unfinished is completed; and where the stories unwritten, and the hopes unfulfilled, are continued. We may laugh together yet.” –Letters, J.R.R. Tolkien, # 45
3. “I think the single most important thing we need to have is an awakening to the transcendent majesty and holiness of God” -R.C. Sproul

And so it begins! Remember, all the posts in this series will be right here on the Fall Into Journaling page!

Enthusiastically, Dawn