"The past is only the present become invisible
and mute; and because it is invisible and mute
its memories, glances and its murmurs are
infinitely precious. We are tomorrow's past. Mary
Webb 1881-1927 British Author
~Mary
Webb
Keeping a journal is nothing new to millions of girls who have
written in little books with small locks that only they can open.
Some girls only do this for a short time when the emotions
and changes of growing up overwhelm them, others continue
the tradition for their entire lives.
I find in speaking with other women that they are often
intimidated by the idea of writing down their thoughts in a
journal. Many feel their emotions and experiences aren't
interesting, and others don't know quite how to start the
process. We need to think of keeping a journal as a way
to record our thoughts and feelings at certain points in
our lives. It may be on a daily basis, or it may be when
something significant happens in our lives. Use what
means you are comfortable with to express yourself. Here
are some suggestions for non-traditional journals:
*Each time you see a quote, cartoon, small article or picture
that reaches out to you and where you are in your life, paste
it in a notebook with a comment and the date.
*Sketch the things you see around you. Buy a small sketch
pad that you can keep with you at all times. Draw flowers,
birds, leaves or anything that draws your eye and touches
you. Be sure to date each sketch and make comments
on your thoughts if you wish.
*Keep a notebook that is similar to an organizer. Each
night before you go to bed make a list of what you wish
to accomplish the next day. Date it at the top of the
page; be sure to include everything, especially personal
goals. Once you have begun this, make notations at the
bottom of the list as to why you didn't get something
accomplished, or your feelings on what you did get done.
This is a good way for "list" people to keep a journal!
These are simple ideas for journals. The key here is to
record your emotions, goals, accomplishments
and personal growth throughout your life. As the years go by you
will be able to recognize patterns, good and bad, so that
you can learn from your mistakes and appreciate who you are
as a person.
Your choice of notebooks?
Believe it or not, an empty page can be intimidating. You
need to be comfortable not only with the type of journal
you keep, but the form. Some women love to write in
an elegant blank journal with a beautiful pen used only
for recording their thoughts. Others, like myself, feel
comfortable with plain school notebooks and a sharpened
pencil. Whatever you decide to use in recording your
life's moments, make sure it fits your personality. It should
be comfortable like a worn, favorite sweatshirt
that you love or a book you have treasured since childhood.
Your emotions and expectations, as well as your accomplishments
ARE important. Whatever place you are in your life, a journal
can help you to define who you are, and where you are heading.
Don't miss out on this opportunity.
About the Author
Brenda is a wife, a mom to three, a freelance writer and
editor. For more messages of encouragement subscribe
to her weekly newsletter, A Mom's Heart, by sending an
email to: mailto:amomsheart-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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