While I try to blog as often as I can, I truly try to do this every single day … journal. I’d been journaling in the past, but what cinched my greater commitment to it was when I read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. She gives her creative readers two assignments, the first of which is to journal daily. I start early and journal first thing before life about me is afoot. Well, right after making coffee and feeding very insistent animals. I curl up and prepare for my day … journal, some spiritual work, enlightening reading … whatever gets me on track.
Journaling and blogging have two entirely different functions. When I blog, I try to bring something enjoyable, enlightening and/or perhaps educational to my visitors. I’d like to make your stopping by worth your while, always knowing not everything I write will appeal to everyone. I enjoy writing and love photography, and hope that what I share appeals in some way.
When I journal? I am doing what Julia Cameron refers to as a “morning dump,” that is, getting rid of all the crap that is running around in my head – whatever needs to be pulled out and gotten rid of. She suggest writing – always by hand, of course – 3 full pages. I have no strict limits, but write until I’m done, when I’ve committed to paper what I don’t want in my head. It’s surprising what a difference it can make to leave our trials and tribulations on the page. It’s quiet when I journal … most are not yet up … this time is mine. And so my day begins.
What do I journal in? That has varied as well, but what I’ve found I prefer most is something with a spiral binding so I can fold it back and write easily while balancing a coffee mug and maybe an earlier-mentioned animal who has their own additions to make to the journaling process. These journals can be had inexpensively at the local supermarket, (see above), or at times I’ve treated myself to a more exotic journal in gold and what looks like silk that I’d gotten from Two Buttons awhile back.
I wholeheartedly recommend journaling for anyone. You don’t have to like writing nor be good at it; you only have to want to clear out your head for the day ahead. It can make a difference. Do I go back and read what I’ve written? Rarely. My journal also isn’t a memoir. Merely a way to make my day a happier and/or more sane one, and who wouldn’t like that?
Still A Dreamer 
Have owned this book for over a decade…never got to the end. Journaling? Perhaps I can attempt again, as life gets in the way. In the morning, I am shot out of a cannon.
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I used to be shot out of a cannon. Now I realize my day starts much better if I center myself first and move forward from there. There are some days when journaling isn’t possible – i.e., the cannon calls – but for the rest of them, it’s a real good idea for me. Give it a try. You don’t like it? Nothing lost!
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This was the first post I read coming over today. And I just knew. I KNEW this was what I needed to do. I left commenting on this for last simply because this was the one that touched me very deeply and secondly, I got swallowed up by all the wonderfulness of your other posts! You’ve made it a full fledge feast for me here Jeanne! Oh and did you know that I love notebooks. I’ve been using them mostly for scribbling ideas and thoughts but I have never seriously journaled before. I love to start off my day as thoughtfully and as silently as possible. I believe journaling would be a cathartic practice. Thank you so much Jeanne! Much love, Sharon
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Hi Sharon, I’m always happy when you stop by! I love notebooks, too – I have others for different purposes, as well – an idea journal for my children’s books, and, of course, sketchbooks. A quiet morning is so helpful to my day.Good to have you back, blogging and sharing your thoughts. Hugs to you – Jeanne
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