A Look into Journaling

Do you journal?

Whether online as a blog, on a computer, in a little black book that you carry everywhere, in a secret notebook hidden from everyone, many people seem to partake in some way in the art of journaling. From what I've read, journaling is not exactly the same as keeping a diary. Writing in a diary seems to be completely about the day-to-day events of ME, only me, like a personal newspaper; it sounds dry and unappetizing. Journaling encompasses not only one's own tiny world but also expands to become ideas, questions, exclamations, meditations, expressions, scenes, and images of the greater universe all around us. 

Artists and writers alike can benefit from journaling. Or, if you're a particularly absent-minded person like me, it's almost necessary to carry a notebook wherever you go, so that everything and anything can be written down at a moment's notice without being lost in transient memory! Here are some reasons in favor of journaling listed by a woman who has been doing so for over thirty years:

• A [journal is a] record of stories for all kinds or experiences. - It is very healthy to “get it out” and put in a book.
• For taking notes.
• Journals are a great referral system. 
• In the front or back of a book, Deborah reserves a few pages for quotes or even recipes.
• You can press a flower in the journal.
• Notes when traveling (she uses a small book as a travel journal).
• Write down a poem that impressed her or a poem she wrote.
• To write down things that she was grateful for. Gratitude lists.
• Notes from a book she is reading.
• She is a writer. She will use her journals to write stories and to use in talks.
• We all go through different phases and changes in our lives. “A new phase in my life is a new journal.”
• Your journals will be a treasure for your family when you are gone. 
• The journal will be a great help for you now as you record the things that are important in your life.

Frida Kahlo, a famous artist, kept a journal. It's fascinating to look through the pages she wrote and sketched to see who she was. The real her was colorful, deeply fascinating, and strange. What would people think of you if they saw what your journal looked like, many years after you were gone?

Some people use mixed media in their journals, a conglomeration of a craft project, freestyle writing, variations of art mediums, or pictures taken from other sources.

It can be as plain or as elegant as you want. And who says the writing has to be legible to anyone except you? As long as you can read it, that's all that matters.

Maybe you just have random thoughts to jot down. Lots of people doodle on the back of receipts, calenders, or any spare paper lying about. A journal allows you to keep these seemingly random "doodles" in one spot. Maybe looking back at what you wrote/drew later will bring some insight or a new thought!

It doesn't always have to be cheerful or uplifting. Here is another page from Frida Kahlo's journal. I don't know the translation of her words, but from the look of the accompanying art they don't appear to be positive. A journal may be the one place you don't feel like you have to lie. Hopefully you have friends who provide listening ears no matter what your mood, but a journal is another quiet friend whose pages wait to hear and see through your eyes.

You don't have to be an amazing artist or a talented writer, either. If it makes you happy, if it accomplishes the purpose you intend, then nobody can call your journaling method "wrong". Any age, any level of ability can start a journal.

I would encourage you to use both art and words in keeping a journal. This is far more possible if your journal is a physical book that you can take everywhere; computers are very handy in this age, but they are still very limiting. For more reasons as to why visual art is just as important as writing (even for those people who say that they are not artists, myself included!), check out this article about visual journals.

While I was researching journaling, I came across two websites that had fun ideas for journal art. Zentangle and The Doodle Game are creative ways to explore sketching for those who feel hesitant about leaping into the artistic circles or for people who like their hands moving while they think!

So what do you think? Interested in beginning a journal?

Edit: If you are wondering how to start a journal, check out this Journaling 101 article, which was recommended to me by a friend!

Owl and Tree

Being Humbly Confident

Once again, I am in the position where I have a million thoughts buzzing around my head, but not enough time to write them all down so that I can "process" them! I am the sort of person who gains better understanding and works through things by either speaking them out loud or writing them down. Even still, if I am trying to figure something out, talking out loud often doesn't cut it, because there are so many pauses as I attempt to think through every little detail. Writing is the best way for me to "think" about things... something about my keeping fingers moving and the speed I can type/write is just right for my train of thought.

Life is beautiful right now. My husband and I, together, have thirty rehearsals and performances during the month of April. So we've been quite busy! Today we both have concerts. He just left, looking spiffy and handsome in his black dress clothes, and soon I'll be attiring myself the same way to head out the door.

Four things I have continued to keep up on this month: my quest for truth (reading, praying, studying the Bible, discussions), a few little creative art projects, musical journeys (learning music, listening to music, growing as a music teacher, etc.), and some personal writing. As you have probably figured out by now from this blog, I like trying to explain things by using lists. My lists are not the sort that I feel encompass every single area of the current topic, because I use lists to help my mind understand a topic, not to search out and define the ends of it. I hate putting anything into a little box. It feels so absolutely restrictive. And it makes me feel like a know-it-all. Which I don't want to be.

One list I have been continuing for a few months is my Life Lessons list which I mentioned in my last blog entry. This list is going to be never-ending, of course, but I thought it would be interesting to at least record my findings so far. My first place for wisdom is the Word of God. After that, the wisdom of the ages, and that of the mentors around me. Yet it's been interesting to compile the wisdom that I believe I have learned from experience (or at least seen!) so far in my short life. As far as criteria for a Lesson to be put on the list: it must be true for almost every single circumstance I am in (not every Lesson is true for every circumstance, I'm sure, but it must apply to the vast majority), and the Lesson must be something that I believe would be true for others in normal circumstances, not just myself only.

That being said, I don't want this to become a list of rules that seems to tell everyone else what to do. So don't take it that way : )  These are just bits of knowledge that I have come across personally and found to be helpful in living my life. Some Lessons are very practical, some are spiritual, others emotional or relational... they cover the whole span of my existence! Following my own advice, I want to be "humbly confident" that I am exploring the life I have been given and searching for truth and wisdom in all things.

And please, if you have some Life Lessons that you would like to share, let me know!

No matter how much great potential I see in a person, there is no use in wishing for them to change if they themselves do not also desire to change for the better.

When you practice the Art of Happy Moments, also called Little Joys of Life, also called Gratefulness, then existence is much sweeter.

A community of people who support you and whom you also can support in their endeavors is essential to being well-balanced and happy.

There are seasons of people who come and go in your life. It is okay to call them friends during that season.

Some people will stay in your life much longer than a season. They are forever friends. Cherish them.

Being yourself is important, but it's very important to also discern which parts of yourself are flawed. 

A discussion is impossible with someone who just wants to argue or tell you how stupid you are.

If you want something badly enough then you will have to work for it.

Don't be a music snob (publicly, at least). Nobody likes you better for it.

No matter how "different" you are, there is always someone similar to you in the world.

Don't take life for granted. 

Don't take love for granted.

Don't do stupid things when you're young just because you think it won't have an affect on your later life.

The vast majority of people are content to be average but that doesn't mean you have to be.

Don't beat yourself up continuously for making mistakes. Learn from them, ask forgiveness, and move on.

Reading books and talking to people are two of the best ways to educate yourself.

If you become sick, there is a reason. Find that reason so you can apply the remedy.

Money is not worth as much as you think it is, both literally and figuratively.

Use the money you do have wisely.

Every single thing you do, say, think, hear, and see matters.

There is always someone who is better at something than you are. So don't be prideful.

What you eat matters. Be careful about what you allow into your body. Eat more vegetables and fruit every day.

You'll never be great if you are content to stay the way you are now.

You probably don't need fifty separate outfits of clothes for each season. Maybe you don't even need thirty. Who knows?

Practice lucid dreaming. It makes sleep a lot more fun. Then write down your dreams.

If you call a place home, even a temporary home, keep live plants. It does wonders for the atmosphere.

People will tell you that they know what is right and not right. The foundation of right and wrong is knowable, so know where to go for the real answers. 

It's okay to not like something that everyone else likes.

Think twice before saying a thought. Think three times before saying it if you are talking with someone you don't like. 

Climb trees whenever you get the chance.

Don't make excuses. 

Only do things that are worthwhile.

Get out into nature way more than you do now.

If you are afraid of something, figure out why so that you can understand or conquer that fear.

Seek advice from people older and wiser than you are. Emphasis on older. That's why it's important to have mentors.

Either be honest in what you say or keep your mouth shut. Don't lie.

Go barefoot whenever you can. Or at least go without shoes. Feel what and where you are walking.

Use the library as the amazing free resource it is.

Draw, paint, dance, sing, and make music even if you think have no talent for it. Express yourself through the arts. Expression is one of the gifts of life!

Try to look at things from a different perspective.

Treat children like the real people they are.

98% of movies aren't worth seeing in the theater.

99% of movies aren't worth seeing at all. Unless you're a film critic : )

Expect the unexpected to happen. Interruptions of your planned schedule are a part of your life, not a detraction from it.

Giving your friends unexpected joys also brings you joy.

When someone accuses you of wrongdoing, think very carefully about your response.

Do what you love. Sometimes money will follow. Sometimes it won't.

Send hand-written letters and hand-made things to those you love, because a little bit of you is put into what you make.

Try new things.

Sit and stare out the window occasionally. 

Find enjoyment in all kinds of weather. That way, no matter what the weather, you'll always find something to like about it!

Care for and about others, but don't worry over them; that doesn't do anyone any good.

Most people would love a listening ear. Is it really so much to ask that you give a little of your time to their stories?

Stories are what life is all about. The Universe is one great Story.

If you are lonely, DO something about it.

Never compromise your morals in an attempt to make someone notice you.

Be humbly confident in all that you set out to accomplish while always keeping an open ear to those who would give you good advice.

I'm Back! Now onto Lessons about Life...

You know, I'm always happy to take periodical breaks from writing, because my mind truly feels like a recharging battery. Instead of putting all my energy into thoughts that I spread out to the world, instead I bring new life and thoughts back into myself, by reading, spending time in nature, listening to good music, and talking with wonderful friends. 

One of the topics on my mind recently has been lessons. School tries to teach formal lessons, with a specific skill in a subject area for the students to acquire, but the institution of school often fails to adequately instruct its pupils in the most important lessons: the lessons of life. Children often learn such basic principles as It's Important to Share with the Other Children, Don't Get Caught Daydreaming, Don't Make a Mess, and Ask Permission for Everything, but what about the lessons of How to Be a Good Person, or Why You Should Love Your Neighbor? 

Churches or other religious institutions work on instilling these sorts of moral lessons for life in their attendees. People find guidance in books, music, great leaders, and many other areas. Yet each person takes the myriad of information presented to them in the world and shapes it to make their own set of rules to live by. In other words, each person has their own guidelines to life, or Life Lessons as I like to call them. 

People come by these Life Lessons through personal experience, filtered by the lens of the rules taught or imposed upon them by family and society, and confirmed by outside sources such as history, science, or logic. A person may not even know that they follow some of their own Life Lessons if they've never thought about why they are doing/believing something. That is a dangerous place to be. I think it is important to know how and why we do or believe everything. If we don't know, then now is a good time to begin thinking about it. Life Lessons can certainly change over time, as our understanding matures, so it is always appropriate to explore our beliefs as we deepen our knowledge of the world around us. 

This is not to say that I do not believe in absolute truth or the infallible Word of God that will stay true no matter how much I deviate from it. Being a flawed human, my free will allows me to follow what is Right or walk away from it, to a certain extent. But I never want to assume anything. It takes faith to have hope in God, yet this does not have to be blind faith. 

So... Life Lessons. Since I wondered how many I have, I decided to write them down as I think of them. Often this week as I have been going about my daily schedule a situation will pop up and I'll think, "ah-ha, I am reacting this way/doing this/saying this because of THIS principle that my self believes in! And this is why I believe in it." This has been a good time to ponder the things I believe in, the Life Lessons that I have learned so far. 

Here are the first five Life Lessons that I follow.

1. God is there, and He is Good.
2. Always ask, "why am I doing this?" If you don't know, then don't do it. Then think very hard about it to find the answer.
3. Also ask yourself, "what can I learn from this (whatever it is), right now?"
4. And also ask, "what can I do to make this world (wherever you are) a better place, right now?"
5. Just because people, cultures, and technology change does not mean that there are not eternal truths.

What are your Life Lessons?

Early Inspiration Monday

Occasionally I feel like going into hibernation. There is so much creative output, writing, expression, and conversation happening every day in my life that every once in a long while I become empty. Not empty of thoughts, but empty of the desire to distribute them out to the world. I need a recharging time. So you probably won't see much here for a little while. Don't worry, though, I always come back, revitalized and ready to go again!

Here are my interesting links for the week (and most likely for the next few weeks as well). Have fun thinking through them.

Most teachers are forced to focus on preparing their students for "achievement tests", and not preparing them for life or developing their talents. This is one of the sad failures of today's modern public school system.

These bad communication habits are common. Not to say that women don't also contribute just as equally to miscommunication, but this article focuses on areas where men can improve, without disparaging the male population (which I do appreciate).

This is a great outlook on the controversial topic of eating meat. I used to want to be vegetarian, because I didn't like the cruelty behind the meat industry and I just didn't like the taste of animal products; my two long periods of vegetarianism ended due to increasing bouts of illness, unhealthy weight loss, and the realization that my husband (then beloved boyfriend) absolutely loved meat dishes. All around, it's better for me to consume meat in small quantities a few times a week.

After I read about the Language of Vagueness, I haven't been able to stop hearing it spoken wherever I enter the public environment! It's beginning to drive me a little nuts...

One of the questions running through my head recently has been this. I'd like to think that I'm mature, but how do I know? I believe Heather has addressed the topic successfully.

And last but not least, third graders can be totally awesome.

Inspiration Monday

Rather than posting tons of links on Facebook, I'm going to put all the articles, videos, and thoughts that I find online throughout the week in one blog post here. Many other blogs do this and call it Inspiration Monday. I think the idea is that the links will give you positive inspiration to head into your week with joyfully renewed vigor, but my inspiration is a little different. I can't promise that everything here will always be happy-rainbows-puppies-love-filled, but my links will hopefully cause you to think deeply, become more aware of different subjects, question the meaning of things, and perhaps even be willing to try something new. By the way, don't be surprised if you see a link here that you, the reader, either sent to me to read or posted on your own Facebook wall. I will unashamedly use your links for redistribution. In the interests of society, of course : )

Who knew that this rising band which I enjoy was a huge fan of G.K. Chesterton? I'm imagining a Chesterton-inspired CD in the future...

Women complain about men's immaturity, but maybe the real problem is that men have been robbed of the means to find their identity and become mature adults. 

On the other hand, here's one country where the the priorities of women are vastly different than in America. Who knew that this would make women happy? <--- me being sarcastic

Do you think this legendary character was the greatest father ever, or a total parent-failure?

My favorite quote from this article was, "Across the state, thousands of families are quietly pursuing their own path. Not burdening the system, not asking for a handout, not sucking up tax dollars, not filling up the youth prisons or wreaking havoc on the streets. (No, we don't have numbers on this. But do you know anybody mugged by a homeschooler?)" 

What a difference it would make in so many peoples' lives if their views of life and God were centered on this. It inspires me to do the same. 

If You Don't Feel At Home In Your House, You Might Be One Too

My family moved a lot when I was a kid. I lived in eight different places before my eighteenth birthday. Since then, I've moved six more times in five years. Rather than disliking the constant change, I've always loved it, welcoming new environments, neighborhoods, and friends. However, one of the results of frequent change in living situations has been that no physical place feels like "home" anymore.

People are always telling me that they experience a special relief, a sort of comfort or safe feeling, when they arrive "home" after a time of being away. Home for them means the building where they grew up, or at least where they lived for a long period of consecutive years. There are particular smells, sights, sounds of home. The room layout is familiar. The yard hosts a map of well-known bushes and trees. Sometimes even the surrounding area will evoke the same feeling of "home", such as a particular nearby park, favorite walk, or community. Most memories are made and remembered in the house, though. And for good reason... their loved ones, possessions, milestones, and growing experiences are associated with the house. For most people their house is their home because in it are found the things that make them happy. 

But when you move constantly, maybe your mind learns to stop attaching to a physical place. I suppose some people have the opposite reaction where they become overly attached to a place because they are afraid of losing it. At least for me, the feeling of "home" is no longer found in a location. Instead, I experience a sense of home from my family and certain possessions. 

My family is the constant in my life. Anywhere they are gives me the feeling that most people have for "home". Whether I am at their current residence, or mine, or out on the road, or anywhere, if my family is present then I am home.

A more curious realization has been that there are special objects that also give me a small sense of security usually evoked by "home". They seem to be things that have been with me a long time, travel with me no matter where I move, and are a part of good memories. Here's a list of some of these things:

- A pair of black Converse shoes (currently falling apart).

- A leather journal I've had since I was fourteen.

- A small leather-bound Bible, given at high-school graduation.

- Some of my sister's artwork that she framed for me.

- My two guitars.

- Certain articles of clothing, mostly seasonal, like favorite t-shirts, a skirt, a scarf, a hat, or a coat.

- A thick plaid blanket given by a neighbor when I was ten.

- The Celtic necklace I always wear.

- My wedding ring and claddagh ring.

You could probably take most of my possessions away, as long as I had the things on this list and a few essentials (like hygiene and cooking necessaries). Yeah, I'd really miss my book collection, and the accumulation of yarn that provides hours of knitting, but the main items above are the important ones. I'm not so attached to them that I would be devastated if they were gone but it would definitely be a blow to my sense of stability. I think that this is a downfall. I don't want to be so clingy to "things". As these possessions wear out, it will be good for me to see them go, because nothing is permanent here on this earth. 

In one sense, I feel free. I'm not tied down to any particular place because of attachment there. My family is all I need to be "home", and the few special possessions help create that sense of home wherever I am. However, I'm not going to move about constantly because I do have a stable job (the vocation of my dreams), so that is a good reason to stay in one area! It feels good to move every few years, though, to experience the thrill of change. Every once in a while I'll feel The Itch that means it's time to go somewhere new; if I don't move to a new residence, I try to travel. 

There is continuity in my life right now more than ever. A stable church, a stable family, a wonderful husband, a secure source of income, and a network of friends keep me occupied and down to earth. When I ask myself what will be important to me on my deathbed, then answer is always that memories and people will be vastly superior to places and things. But there is always The Itch inside that simmers gently. When it rises up, I know that the side of me that yearns for the new ways of seeing, the unexplored, the vast world, will enter the scene again. 

I am a Traveler.