Day 4: An Imaginary Conversation...

I used to process things over and over in my mind...looking for the "right" answer or solution often to my own exhaustion, not to mention my missing out on the moment at hand because I was lost in my head thinking. I now almost always go to my journal when I catch myself in that processing mode - because I know from experience the power and purpose that takes place when I write. I can move through issues and feelings with more focus, intention and velocity - the truth surfaces and I can see things with intense clarity and wisdom.

Try this...

An imaginary conversation...it happened in my journal one day - I was stewing over a challenge in my life and had the thought, I should call my friend - I knew she would have great advice for me.  Without thinking any further, I began writing - asking the questions I had of her and realized the answers were right there - I was able to work out the situation through my imaginary conversation with her in my journal - sounds kinda crazy I know - but, IT WORKED!

Try it!  Bring a challenge you are faced with, or something that sits heavy on your heart to your journal today.  Think of someone you trust for great, honest advice. 

Have an imaginary conversation with them in your journal.  Ask questions, and then write down what they would tell you.  Share your experience!

Day 3: Fear Shows Up...

Fear...one of the things that naturally occurs after you have declared you will do something new, take on something in a bigger way, or just merely say YES.  Fear shows up - it's almost inevitable.  For me it appears as that voice in my head showing me and telling me everything that could go wrong, every reason why I can't and then doubt whooshes in pulling all the greatness I felt when declaring yes...and next thing I know my exuberant yes is feeling more like a deflated no.   Fear naturally shows up when we declare we will write or take on a journaling practice.  What if...you could befriend this part of the process...knowing it's a necessary step disguised as "scary" and "bad" and a step that YOU can move boldly through. 

What if these thoughts and feelings no longer controlled you, but you had courage and power to notice, evaluate and determine for yourself if they are a "real" threat to you.  What if these thoughts and questions are pointing you to the actions that need to take place in order for you to step out, grow and move forward.  By paying attention you might see a conversation that has to take place, an insecurity you want to embrace and move past, or an old belief that no longer serves you or anyone else.
So, as you dive into the world of journaling, begin to pay attention and notice what occurs during and AFTER the writing - it may be just as or more valuable!

So what came up for you?  If you've been following since Day 1 - wrap your arms around any fear that showed up knowing it's a healthy part of the process.  Your job is to find out what's under the disguise - it is there you will access the freedom to move past.  If you haven't yet engaged in Day 2 - I double dog dare you to begin now!

Day 2: Taking the Plunge...

and that's what it is...it really just takes diving in, doing it, and saying goodbye to all the excuses and reasons why you can't (and I know you have good ones).  Keep in mind...there is no "perfect" time to journal. It doesn't require a hammock on the beach or peaceful, insightful feelings. Begin right where YOU are - even if it is amidst the chaos.


It means having a notebook handy in lots of places so when the need or time arises you are prepared! 
You may feel intimidated or overwhelmed by where to start!  Start by making the journal YOURS!  Write your name in it, fill it with pictures that you love, colors that uplift and words that inspire!  Open the notebook and create an intention or focus for your writing.  Here's what I do...  My focus for this journal will be __________  My writing represents the beginning of ___________________  and I invite ____________________ into my life by taking the time to step away from the busyness to be still.  It is sooo important to create a vision for what you want to have happen as a result of you taking the time to write.  It will not only guide your writing, but will keep you coming back again and again.  The key here is to read your intention often, it just might be what moves you from all the excuses of why you can't and don't have the time to journal into what is possible if you do!   Remember, writing doesn't have to take a lot of time - 5 or 10 minutes will do!  It does require your willingness to show up and engage fully!

Today's Exercise...

So take a journal or notebook off your shelf that is waiting to be used and begin by making it YOURS!  Then tell us all about it, take pictures, share what the process was like for you, ask questions - I would love to hear from you!  See you soon!

Day 1: Into the World of Journaling - A Series

Follow me as we take an adventure into journaling!  Over the next several weeks, I intend to pour myself into sharing with you journaling stories (my own and others) and how people write their way through the ups downs and in-betweens. The journal for me has become a retreat from the crazyness of the external world and even the gremlins of my own mind at times ;-) I've discovered writing to be a mini get-away where I get to the truth, and sort things out.  Writing is where I touch the divine, sift through challenge, figure out who I want to be as a wife, mom, and friend.  The writing practice expands my thinking and creativity.  Solutions and possibilities show up that were not available in my thought process alone.  Through writing, I find I am able to observe things from multiple vantage points to make better choices, soak up the juicy details of goodness that surround me (when I sometimes forget) and choose powerfully who I am going to be in the face of life. So join me…dive into your imaginary lounge chair, open your heart and get ready for an amazing ride! 

Come blog with me...I want to hear YOUR stories, questions, and experiences as you peer into the world of journaling!

A Gift in My Inbox

I had a gift in my inbox the other day and want to share it with you! The email read....

"I recently purchased 2 of your journals and found them to be exactly what was needed to keep me focused on the intent of journaling. I have always known that the right paper and pen were needed for me to fulfill and sustain the journaling process. My procrastination has always been that I haven't found the right journal. Well...I am pleased to announce...that is not a problem since finding your journals." Jane Mullens, Brookville, OH

Following a dream is quite a journey and gifts like this remind me...I am doing my soul's work. If you are following a dream...keep on keeping on...you just don't know when a life may be touched or a gift will arrive in your inbox!

Thank you Jane and Amanda for choosing Sanity Journals to use in your wellness studio classes! http://www.sacredjourneysmassage.com/

Introducing "The Journaling Lounge"

I am so excited to tell you that the Journaling Lounge is under creative action and will be coming soon!

Imagine a place where you can...

unwind, connect and grow
show up when you have time
create your very own free journal
and sign up for online journeys (classes) that guide you through areas of life you want to see new amazing outcomes!

A cozy chair will await you! Sign up for our email list http://www.sanityjournals.com/retreats.html
to be sure you are in the know! More to come soon!

Be Delighted!

I am completely INSPIRED after being in the presence of SARK at her Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper workshop! She has been a "paper mentor" to me for many years - meaning I have learned and grown from her books! So to meet her and spend the day with her was a dream come true! "DELIGHT YOURSELF FIRST"...was one of her key messages that day. I realized that when I delight myself first, it is then that I make the biggest difference with others. For so many years I lived my life trying first to please others and so many times I miss the mark, sell out on myself and am left dissapointed, empty, or just plain exhausted. This week I'm taking on "being delighted" sharing it with others and having a blast! Do you want to play? I'd love to hear your stories!