Collecting Words
Journaling to Preserve the Recipe of Me
“Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time.”
(Mina Murray, Dracula)
A Return to Journaling
In November of 2017, I made a commitment to return to journaling. I had been an avid collector of words until my mid twenties when my life started revolving around raising three kids. At the time, I did not know how to take time for myself in a little way that offered big rewards. I would start and stop journaling because I felt I needed the perfect space, the right amount of time, and profound words to make it worth it. What I did not know then, but have come to learn, is that I can find the time for the things that matter to me, and not to let perfect get in the way of good.
My return started with one notebook, a pen, a cup of coffee, and ten minutes before anyone else got up to write down whatever was on my mind. And I kept showing up. Morning after morning. Now, I am on journal #14, I know myself better, I feel better about myself, and I have made writing in my journal a non-negotiable for my overall health.
My regular journal is the place where I do a brain dump of all the thoughts in my head at that moment in time. The audience I am writing for is me, so there is no burden of perfectionism in how the content appears on the blank page. Spelling? Who cares! Paragraphs that do not connect? Who cares! No paragraphs? Who cares! I only care about getting the words out of my head onto paper, and, yes, I am old school and prefer paper and pen. I tried, at some point, journaling on the computer and it did not appeal to me. For me, it felt too formal; every time the grammar and spell check alerts came up I felt like I was writing for someone else and not for myself. Plus, writing with pen and paper causes me to slow down, because if I want to be able to reread anything I wrote I need to exert some effort in keeping my penmanship legible.
I am not opposed to digital options for journaling; I have found it useful to be able to pull out my phone to record a random overheard snippet of conversation or a photo with a note about how it moved me in some way or stirred up a memory. The Day One app is what I use for this type of collecting of words. These entries are like texts to myself so I can go back and ponder them more when I get back to my regular journal. This app also has a feature where you can have a book made of all your entries so they can exist off of your phone. For me, it’s like a Shutterfly photo book and Jack Tandy deep thoughts all rolled up into one.
Benefits of a Guided Journal
Preserve your memories, keep them well, what you forget you can never retell.
(Louisa May Alcott)
Last year I decided to add a guided journal to my routine after listening to Emily P. Freeman’s The Next Right Thing podcast. I was not sure how I would feel about being guided into recording my thoughts; I was perfectly content with my regular brain dump each day and never needed a prompt to get started. However, I grew to love The Next Right Thing Guided Journal, because it allowed me to record different aspects of my life each day and encouraged me to reflect on them at the end of each season. The time spent recording was often less than five minutes each day and I found the guided reflection aspect a useful learning experience. Looking back at the end of each season, I was reminded of so many events or delights that I had forgotten. Reflecting on what I wrote was not a muscle I had developed.
Making Time to Reflect
After learning the value of reflection, I started a new practice this year of a weekly reflection for my regular journal. I now have a journal to record these reflections. Once a week I now return to my pages of spilled thoughts and look for ideas, memories, lines, etc…that I want to pull out and encapsulate so I can quickly find them. I have found this rhythm helpful in observing my progress in some areas and identifying other areas where I need more time sorting things out.
Giving Thanks
Keeping a gratitude journal is another practice I added this year. For this journaling activity, I use a pocket size notebook and list five things that brought me joy in some way throughout the day. No lengthy descriptions, just a short statement. I do this right before I go to bed to help me center my thoughts on pleasant things and help to promote a good night’s sleep. Because I know this journal awaits me on my nightstand, I am vigilant to be aware of those things that delight me throughout the day so I can record them before I drift off to sleep.
Pausing to notice what is going on inside me and around me has helped me to live more present focused. I learn from my past and leave what cannot be changed behind me. I think about the future but I do not dwell there. Right now, in the present is where I am most fully alive, breathing life in and out. Writing things down helps me to even out my breath and focus on what makes me the best me possible. Journaling can be anything you want it to be. Just make the time to pause, record, and reflect to find the recipe of you.
What’s been nourishing me this week…
I have heard David Sedaris read some of his writing before, but I had never listened to one of his books in its entirety before this week. I laughed out loud so many times while listening to The Best of Me! I believe I will be checking out more of his audiobooks on the Libby app.
For a date night this week my hubby and I rented Downton Abbey: A New Era from Amazon Prime. What beautiful clothing, scenery, and people! We both enjoyed it and hope they will continue making more movies.
I started an intro to Photography class through our local recreation department with a friend this week. Looking forward to playing more with my new camera.
Nice read!
I love your title💜💜💜