Journal Addiction

Journal
A daily record, as of occurrences, experiences or observations.

Writing it down

The love of journaling must be in my DNA. I have to admit I have a problem with all things concerning journals. I am a self described journal slut. I remember in my teen years I had a journal that had a fancy lock on it, I hid all my deepest, darkest secrets within the secured pages, With the utmost confidence my siblings never could break into it and read all about my crushes on Rick Springfield and Shaun Cassidy, and all my life’s triumphs and tragedies. Going back and reading my entries really puts my life into perspective now.

Hello my name is!

I have to admit that I have a problem with buying journals. I love them. This is one part of my minimalism journey that I haven’t addressed yet. My friends and family all know that giving me a journal will make my heart soar. I have 20 at any given time on my shelf and that does not include the 4-5 I am writing in daily. I have a Bible, prayer, gratitude, verse mapping, blog and personal journals all going simultaneously. This is where a support group might be handy.

Why Journal?

I find journaling to be a great creative outlet. I go back and read them often and I can see where God had placed his hands on me. I see where my tears turned to laughter. I can see the silver linings in circumstances where I couldn’t at the time. Writing is not always natural or easy, somedays I write very little and others I can’t be stopped.

Where to get journals

• TJ Maxx
• Marshalls
• Ross
• Barnes & Noble
• Target
• Your local art store

Creating a space

The space you choose to use is unique to you. I started on my couch and journaled that way for many years. I recently had my husband help me with an area that makes me smile every time I sit in it. I have my purple desk  with a peacock colored lamp and chair that are tucked into a dormer which faces east for ultimate morning light. I love this space and it inspires me every day. Inspiration is a daily chore but if my heart is happy it is much easier to write. If journaling is hard for you, here are a few tips.

Journal Prompts

• How would your friends and family describe you?
• Who do you look up to?
• What are your 5 core values?
• What are 3 things that excite you?
• What is your favorite childhood memory?
• What was your biggest dream?
• Who are you influenced by?
• What are you grateful for?

Breath deeply, this is just a chapter; not your whole story

S.C. Lourie

Journaling is a journey , not a destination and can be a source of enlightenment and joy to your soul so just dive in and write with no rules.