Color Me Butterfly

Keeping a journal is as old as storytelling.  Even the ancient cave paintings that depicted day to day life was a form of journaling.  This practice honors the life you live and can guide you to the life you deserve. 

I've been journaling for a long time.  I've had periods where I put it aside.  But always, something pulls me back to it - not just as a writer, but as a woman.  I've begun to realize that when I put off journaling because of life’s turbulences that's when I most need to use this tool to resteer my wings.  Destressing and organizing your thoughts on paper can give you a second wind.
 
With all the benefits that journaling has to offer, many either put it off or never start.  I've given journals as gifts to friends that kindly embrace and put it to good use; while others accept it as something to do for when they have time.  Some have said they are concerned about privacy factors, fearing their most intimate thoughts may be revealed.  While others say that whenever they make an attempt to begin a journaling trek, they get plain ole writer's block. 

I'd like to offer the following  journal keeping suggestions:
 
 Begin or end a day with journaling.  Even if it means adjusting your waking or bedtime for 20 minutes.  It is well worth the inner peace. 

 Journal with your usual morning or evening beverage of choice to make it more a part of your personal routine.

 Don't feel you have to journal everyday.  Choose at least two days a week, perhaps a less hectic day or a weekend.  Strive to journal longer than two days and 20 minutes during down times.  For example, on extended holiday weekends or vacation, catch-up with your journaling.  It's like spa time for your head.

 If you’re concerned about privacy, purchase a journal that locks or conceal your journal in a safe place.   For the really cold handed journaler, incinerate your journals yearly.  Stage a sacred bonfire to honor the old and to usher in the new.

 O.K.  So you're alone with your pen and journal but nothing comes?  First of all, remember Gratitude.  Write three or more things from the day or week you're thankful for. Write a prayer about something you're striving for.  List your goals, both big and small, including the goal to continue journaling.  Write affirmations for your prayers and goals.  Write down a new quote you like and why.  Write your opinion about something you heard or saw.  Write about a recent life situation or personal experience.  Give yourself at least three compliments.  Write those compliments down many times so you can really believe in and celebrate you!

 Partner with another striving journaler.  Do weekly or biweekly checkups.  Meet once a month to share journal entries, if desirable.  This can be a great way to stay motivated.  If you're really adventurous, start a Journaling Club.  Support from a friend or group of friends is a great way to share your thoughts, your ideas and encouragement.
 
Recording your inner self is a vehicle for it's entry into the outer world.  Reviewing your actions on paper offers you a roadmap for that vehicle.  Writing is the key for this empowering vehicle.  The more you write in your journal, the more you will develop the advantages of the practice.

If you do lose your writing wings along the way, don't fret. Like an old friend, your journal will always welcome you.
 
Rediik Harris-Hubert
Hastings, Florida