Journal Addict

Journal Writing Prompt 37 - Favourite TV

2012-01-27T06:00:00.002Z

Journaling is not always about serious introspection. It can also be fun, silly, light-hearted. Today's topic is one of those.

If you are anything like most people, you watch TV, whether little or a lot. So what are your favourite TV shows? Why are they your favourite?

And for those of you interested in further introspection - think about how this taste relates to your taste in other things? For example, do you like similar type of books and movies too? Or do you like these shows because of their actors?

So go on, have fun. If you like bit of art and colour in your journal, you can draw/paste pictures from these shows, or write the names of these shows in funny pictures.

What Is Your Journal Writing Style ?

2012-01-24T06:00:00.002Z

Check out this cool quiz at Journal Writing With A Twist about your journal writing style.

My style is C, which is actually true. According to the description:

Try journaling like you're telling a story to a friend. Or think about journaling as a creative writing exercise. Your journaling is probably already pretty interesting to read—keep challenging yourself to make it real and keep it as fun as possible!

What's your style?

Journal Writing Prompt 36 - Habits

2012-01-20T06:00:00.001Z

Since it's the new year, and hopefully you haven't completely given up on resolutions, goals and plans. Habits go hand-in-hand with those topics.

The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.
- Samuel Johnson

He was a clever man, that Johnson. Today, in your journal, write about your habits. Which habits are wrapped around you like chains? Which habits move you forward in life, and bring you happiness?

Are there new habits you would like to form? How will you go about achieving that?
What habits would you like to discard? How will you accomplish that?

Journal Writing Prompt 35 - The Desert Island Scenario

2012-01-17T06:00:00.002Z

We've all heard of this game, probably even tried it.

What would you take with you if you knew you would end up on a desert island, alone? Robinson Crusoe had the good deal. Not all of us are going to build a pretty house in the forest. So let's forget the essentials.

Let's stick to books.

Say you have to leave the rest of your life (however long that might be) with only 10 books at your side. (No e-readers - so none of that thousand books in one device kind of thing).

What books will you pick? Why? 10 precious books...if you are anything like me, the choice seems impossible. And of course we can't REALLY be sure until we are in that situation, but let's have a play at it. This might reveal what books are important to you. They would probably be the ones that shaped you, that made you smile or cry, that changed your world in some way, however little.

So go have fun....

Journal Writing Prompt 34 - Your Favourite Quotes

2012-01-13T06:00:00.001Z

It's an easy one today. Write in your journal (and feel free to share them here in the comments if you wish) your favourite quotes.

I find that quotes often inspire me and motivate me. And when I come across a right quote at just the right time, it gives me a swift kick to start with the action. So quotes - even if they are clichéd - can be a great source to tap into.

What are your favourite quotes?

A fine quotation is a diamond on the finger of a witty person, but a pebble in the hands of a fool. ~Author Unknown

Your Last Wish About Your Journals

2012-01-10T06:00:00.002Z

Before he died, Franz Kafka wrote to his literary executor and friend Max Brod: "Dearest Max, my last request: Everything I leave behind me...in the way of diaries, manuscripts, letters (my own and others'), sketches, and so on, [is] to be burned unread."

Max Brod did not follow through with that request. He published Kakfa's diaries and letters. From the point of views of millions of readers who've gained an incredible insight into the mind of one of most capable (and weird) writers, it's been an amazing gift.

But what about from journal keepers point of view?
If we entrust our journals to someone, declare that our last wish was that they are destroyed, unread, how would we feel about this betrayal? This was done for the best of reasons. Max Brod felt that Kafka's diaries should be read. He was right.

But what about Kakfa's own wishes?

Okay, I know, he is dead. He doesn't know. So what's the right thing here? To go against one man's wishes who is dead, or to deprive millions of people and many generations of these diaries?

I don't have an answer. I'm aware of the dilemma on both sides. I agree with both, and I don't know what I would have done, had I been in Max Brod's shoes.

What about you? How do you feel about this? Do you have strong feelings about either side? How would you deal with disposal of your own diaries?

Journal Writing Prompt 33 - Trust

2012-01-06T06:00:00.002Z

How much we trust others is a result not only of our upbringing but of our experiences. If we experience betrayals in life then inevitably it makes us jaded. Sometimes, it even makes us mistrust everyone. Even for those who are independent, happy in their own company, can you actually live without trust?

Today, in your journal, explore your relationship with trust. How much do you trust others? Do you trust everyone? How does that work out for you?

Do you trust no-one? Does that result in fullfilling relationships?

Do you trust a select few? What makes them these select few?

Trust is such an important concept that colours our entire life, all our relationships - both personal and professional. So take time to explore this. It may lead you to few discoveries about yourself.

Journal Writing Prompt 32 - Plans

2012-01-04T17:52:00.000Z

Adventure is just bad planning - Roald Amundsen

I totally agree with the above quote. Now, some of you may like adventures, and that's okay. But for those of us who want to have at least a sense of control over our life, and goals, planning is essential. Resolutions are a new year tradition. But resolutions are weak. We make them, and forget about them. So instead, I have goals and plans.

What about you?

That's what today's journaling is about. Do you have goals and plans? Do you write them in your journal?

Journaling can be an excellent way to not only record your goals, but to understand your process, what works for you and what doesn't. It could be a reflective tool, and enlightening tool. So if you haven't tried it, give it a go.

Woody Guthrie's New Year's Resolutions from 1942

2011-12-30T07:04:00.000Z

Below is an image of Woody Guthrie's journal with his New Year's resolutions from 1942. Admirable by anyone's standards. This might give you some ideas for your own resolutions for 2012.

You can see a bigger, clearer image at http://www.woodyguthrie.org/newyearsrulins.htm

Forgotten Notebooks

2011-12-27T06:00:00.001Z

While I was rummaging beneath the dining table (which is actually a book table) I looked into my post-it box. And in it I found notebooks I'd forgotten about....

Most of these are years old, some even more than a decade old. Couple of these contain poetry I used to write, two are still unused, and tiny notepad came with a packet of crisps. When I found them, it was like finding a treasure, especially the poetry books because I don't write much poetry now.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T06:00:00.002Z

To All My Wonderful Friends

May you all have a fantastic Christmas!

All my best wishes, and love. I appreciate any and all the time you spend reading this blog.

The Great Gatsby Notebook

2011-12-20T06:00:00.000Z

When I saw this in Waterstones, my first reaction was WOW. Just the cover is gorgeous, and then there is the fact that The Great Gatsby is one of my favourite books ever. To possess a notebook inspired from that was very tempting. It is bit steep at £6.99 for this quite slim notebook, but as I was spending vouchers, I decided to treat myself.

The front cover is a replica of one of the popular editions of The Great Gatsby cover.

Inside, left flap has this image. Very bookish, and very appealing to a library lover like me.

But it's the pages where the real art comes in. The whole notebook is lined by tiny sentences. These lines are made up actual words, and if you want to attempt to read them, you will need a magnifying glass, though with good eyesight, you can probably squint and recognize a few words. It is very bookworm appealing. I haven't yet written in this journal, so can't confirm the quality, but the pages feel of good quality.

Journaling Classes

2011-12-18T02:01:00.000Z

Today I have a question for you, and I would appreciate as detailed answers as possible.

I have been journaling for years, and over the years I have tried new techniques, developed them, and tried something different. I have figured out good stuff, waste of time stuff, and what works for me. But there is always more to learn. Some new insight that someone else might have that I haven't yet seen. That's why I read books about journaling and follow journal keeping blogs and read published diaries.

What about you? Do you feel there is always more to learn?

If you were to take an online journaling class, what topic / what niche would you like it to be the most? What it is about your journaling that you want to work on, and feel that you can benefit from someone else's input, whether it's group participation of journaling together, or an instructor providing a structure for you to follow?

5 Reasons Why You Should Comment On Blogs

2011-12-17T06:00:00.002Z

I remember, when I first started reading blogs I used to read a lot of them, and comment on a few. Then as I got more into blogging community, began to appreciate the work and effort people put into their blogs, I stated leaving more and more comments. But eventually, it came to a stage where I simply didn't have time for reading that many blogs if I wanted to do anything else (like writing), so now, I read far fewer blogs every day. But for all the ones I read, I try to leave a comment as often as possible.

Here is why:

It says that you found the content helpful / interesting / amusing enough to take a minute and leave a comment
It encourages discussions amongst others who comment and also between the blog writer and the readers
It shows new visitors to the blog that some people do read the blog and leave a comment, which might encourage them to do the same
Everyone feels good about being appreciated. In blogging world, comments are an easy way of showing this appreciation of the content someone's providing
It's a give and take thing. If you leave a comment on someone else's blog, it encourages the other person to leave one on yours.

Journal Writing Prompt 31 - Priorities

2011-12-13T15:57:00.000Z

Good things happen when you get your priorities straight. - Scott Caan

But do you have your priorities straight? So often, we end up running around after things that simply stumble across us, or we stumble into them. Whether it's a job you fell into or a relationship or an activity that takes up your time. Have you taken the time to consider if you really want to do this?

Take the time now. You may discover that all the things that take up your time and space in your life, are not necessarily the things you want.

Knowing it is the first step. Once you know, then you can set about doing something about it. You may not be able to eliminate doing everything you don't like (for example, a job that pays the bills, but doesn't necessarily bring you fullfillment). But now that you are powered with the knowledge of what is and what isn't importrant to you, you can make a plan.

What can you do? What are your options? What interests you? How can you spend more and more of your time doing the things you love? What's more important to you?

Action expresses priorities. - Mohandas Gandhi

What are your actions saying about your life?

Does Grammar and Punctuation Matter in Journals?

2011-11-15T09:00:00.001Z

Whenever I write anything, I try to write it as correctly as possible without obsessing over it. For example, if I'm writing emails or blog posts, I would make the effort to make sure my spelling and punctuations are mostly correct by paying attention to them as I write. After that, I might do a spell check, but I wouldn't necessarily worry about every comma or semicolon. The key is to make sure that everything is readable, and correct for "normal" people, as opposed to Grammar Police.

For my journals, I take the same approach. I don't like reading things without any sort of punctuation or with excessive spelling errors, so I never write like that. I want my journals to reflect my language skills, not my laziness. But I'm little less strict with journals. If I am writing really fast because I want to get the words out then I don't worry about spelling or grammar. I do it as best as I can while maintaining the speed. And that's okay, because in those entries, it's the emotion that matters. Punctuation on the whole is there anyway (because people who write without commas and periods should be severely punished), and spelling errors are more due to speed. But on the whole, I would say that yes, grammar and punctuation does matter. I believe that if I am going to do something, I might as well do it well. That applies to journaling.

What do you think? Do you care about grammar and punctuation in your journal entries? How much do you care?

Journal Writing Prompt 30 - Being Busy

2011-11-13T19:23:00.000Z

"Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these needs there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing."

- Thomas Alva Edison

Modern lifestyle for most people is about being busy. We are rushed at work, we are rushed at home, and weekends are usually spent running one errand or another. Being busy, we are told, is good. Being busy means you are doing something with your life.

But are you really?

Being busy does not mean we are doing something. Getting results means we are doing something. Being busy is sometimes the biggest time waster of all, which keeps us occupied without getting results, and stops us from relaxing or doing things we enjoy.

So open your journal and write about the things that keep you busy. Are you accomplishing anything, or are you simply wasting time being busy? If so, what will you do to change it?

Reading Other People's Journals

2011-11-06T13:43:00.000Z

Before you start shouting "sacrilege" let me assure you that I only mean journals I've permission to read. That means, published journals.

I will admit, reading people's journals hold a strong fascination for me. As a journal keeper, I want to see what they record, how they do it, and whether they can inspire me/teach me to do it better. As a person, I want to learn about their life through the most intimate medium. I know that their journals may not be the most accurate history of their time, but it is their history. Not just of facts, but of their thoughts and emotions. And as an extremely curious (nosy) person, I just want to uncover delicious secrets (which actually most of the time are incredibly boring.)

But, because I am a journal keeper, I would not dream of reading a person's private journal because I would not want them to read mine. That's where published journals are good. Author has given me permission to read them, so there is no guilt or a sense of crime, and I'm free to indulge.

I am always on the lookout for good journals. Of course, it is inevitable that most of the journals I end up reading are from writers/poets etc. because writer's mind holds a fascination for me. I am also more interested in learning about them, than say a modern politician's diary. Currently, I'm reading "Time Out of Mind", Leonard Michael's diary. I came across this book in a bookshop in New York. Until then, I'd never heard of this guy, and now here I'm reading about his private life.

Some of my favourite journals are Anne Frank's Diary, Virginia Woolf's writer's diary, and Christopher Isherwood's diary.

What about you? Do you like other people's diary? If so, why? And if not, why? What are your favourite diaries?

Journal Writing Prompt 29 - Brainstorm

2011-10-30T21:20:00.000Z

Journaling is not just about recording our life. It's also about evolving it. So today, focus on brainstorm. Whether it is for a particular project you want to work, a story or a play, a poem. It doesn't matter what it is, let your creativity flow. For me personally, it's going to be brainstorming for NaNoWriMo, which starts on November 1. If you don't know what NaNoWriMo is, click here and enter a world of insanity.

But back to brainstorming. What's the point? Well, the point is that our brains are bit like elastic. We need to stretch them to expand them. If you brainstorm, let your creativity drive you, your mind might surprise you. You may find fresh insights, some new ideas, some unlooked for connections. So give it a try. And have fun!

Moleskine Sketchbook & Pilot Frixion

2011-10-21T22:46:00.000+01:00

Finding good pens for particular journals is always bit of a journey, so when I do find one, I generally tend to stick to them. And for moleskine sketchbook, my choice of pen so far has been Pentel Energel 0.7. But in the middle of this journal, the last Pentel Energel I had ran out of ink. And so I searched through my pen pot for a suitable substitute, and found Pilot Frixion - which turned out to be fantastic. Pentel Energel is still my first choice - because Pilot Frixion is not as dark. It's meant to be erasable, so the softness of its ink is understandable. The flow is smooth, and the ink sits well on moleskine sketchbook's thick pages. Just for practical purposes, Frixion is very comfortable, easy to use pen, which is important for me, since my journaling style is predominantly writing. Lots and lots of writing.

What about you? What are your preferred pens for moleskine sketchbook?

Journal Writing Prompt 28 - Look at Your Journal

2011-10-17T21:11:00.000+01:00

Usually, we talk about writing in our journals here. Today, I want you to do something different. Read through your journals (or if you don't read your old journals - think about what you write), and consider your focus.

Are your journals focused in the past, in the present, in the future? Are they combination of all or leaned heavily towards one than the other?

Why might that be? Is that a reflection of your general outlook in life?
What does your journal say about you?

Journal Writing Prompt 27 - Obession

2011-09-28T17:24:00.000+01:00

No, I don't mean the perfume! Obsession -- even the word sounds beautiful, like it will reel you in and never let you go.

We all obsess from time to time, some of us more than others. Sometimes, we obsess over small problems, but then there other longer term obsessions. Perhaps it's a habit, or a career goal, or a family goal.

What do you obsess about? Why? Is it because it's so important that you must have it to make your life meaningful? Or is it a force of habit?

So journal today about obsesion, and see what you discover about yourself. And whether it's healthy or unhealthy obsessions you are nurturing.

NYC Moleskine

2011-09-22T20:00:00.000+01:00

I managed to find perfect NYC stickers while I was in New York to decorate my moleskine. City Moleskines aren't my thing (too many wasted pages), but this certainly made me fall in love with pocket size, since I usually use large.

Journal Writing Prompt 26 - Dependence

2011-09-14T19:21:00.000+01:00

For last three days we didn't have Internet or phone. Phone wasn't an issue, but Internet was. Initially we assumed it would come back on, when nothing happened for two whole days, we began to get annoyed/antsy. Today was full blown stress and even anger. It made me realise how dependent we are on the Internet. These days, whenever I want some information, my first response - like many people - is to google it.

I'm sure that if Internet went out of the world somehow, we would all revert back to old days and manage to survive, but while we do have it, and while we do use, dependency increases daily for most people.

So that got me thinking about dependency on other thing. Or even other people.

That's today's topic.

What are you dependent on? Perhaps you don't even realise it - if these are ordinary objects / services that we take for granted. What do you think you can't live without, or would be greatly unhappy living without?

How do you feel about that dependency? Are you okay with that, or will you be taking some steps to change that?

A Week In Your Life Challenge - How Did It Go?

2011-08-29T23:32:00.000+01:00

Did you participate in last week's challenge to record a week in your life? If so, I would love to hear how it went.

For me personally, I discovered or rather re-learned few things:

I journal a lot, so it wasn't an effort to journal. But at times, I had to remind myself to focus on specific topics, because I was supposed to record my days
I quite enjoy recording facts. I don't do this regularly, and probably don't do it well, but I like it. It especially makes for good records, and makes looking back at journals far more rewarding because it practically transports you back to that day.

So now that this experiment is over, each day, I am going to try and make sure that my entries do cover at least some of the seemingly ordinary, mundane things that happen to me in daily life.

What have you learned?

Two New Blogs

2011-08-25T20:08:00.000+01:00

Hello Peeps!

A little advertisement is in order...

I have two new blogs.

Four Hour Body - A Vegetarian Experiment
Is to record my experiment with slow-carb diet based on Tim Ferris' book "Four Hour Body" plus general comments about weight loss, fitness, healthy eating. Hoping this to be a record for striving for a long-term healthier habits.

Language Dabbler
This is a blog to record my love of languages, and attempts to learn new ones. Methods, madness, resources, facts and fun....anything to do with any languages.

If you have interests in either of those areas, I hope to see you at my new homes too.

Your Life Not Worth Recording?

2011-08-20T21:44:00.000+01:00

People comment sometimes that they don't keep a journal because their lives are boring, ordinary, and nothing record-worthy ever happens. Is that you? Do you ever look a pretty journal and worry about defacing it with your mundane life?

Well, if you won't listen to me about worthiness of anyone's life for journaling, I do hope you will listen to Mark Twain.

There was never yet an uninteresting life. Such a thing is an impossibility. Inside of the dullest exterior there is a drama, a comedy, and a tragedy.

- Mark Twain

Journaling Challenge - A Week In Your Life

2011-08-17T12:20:00.000+01:00

I'm going to start a new journaling challenge, and I hope some of you (or maybe many of you) will join me.

We journal for different reasons and in different styles. I know that my journals include far more introspection, rather than facts and things that go on in my daily life. So I have decided to record a week of my life in minute detail.

So this will be what is generally a diary entry - logging things that happen. Actual events. People you meet, things you see, things you eat, time you go to bed....as many details as you wish.

That doesn't mean that you can include the usual things you journal. So for example, I will still no doubt include my introspection, my feelings about various things, lists and tasks and whatever else comes to mind. But the main thing to make sure is that you record your week as it truly happens, so that years from now when you look back at these entries, you will know exactly what this particular week was like.

Don't worry if it feels mundane. Most of us live through mundane days, but so did all the people whose lives we now find fascinating.

I will be happy to post excerpts from people's entries so feel free to send them to me.

The challenge will be for August 22 to August 28. It begins at midnight on August 21, and ends at Midnight on August 28. So entries for this challenge must be from this time period. I hope you will join in, and we can share this journey together, and share some of our entries or discuss how we found the experience, and what we learned if anything.

Journal Writing Prompt 25 - Curiosity

2011-08-14T12:52:00.000+01:00

Today's prompt is Curiosity.

Curiosity of mind. Curiosity of heart. Curiosity of life. Do you have it? Do you yearn for new knowledge, new experiences? If so, are you getting them? Journal about them.

Or are you comfortable just staying as you are now, with what you have, and not keen to get out of your comfort zone? Journal about why that might be.

Each of this topic has two sides - positive and negative. See how it affects you. Journal freely...don't worry about labels and headings and breaks. Just write: Curiosity, and then free write and see where your words take you.

Journal Writing Prompt 24 - Gratitude

2011-08-07T10:51:00.000+01:00

We often think about all the things we would like to have in life, but today's prompt, let's focus on what we have.

What are you grateful for? It could be material items, like a comfortable house, enough food, nice clothes, a car. It could be emotional aspects - people who love you and care about you, friends who support you. It doesn't matter how little or how big these things are. Make a list of all the things that you are grateful for.

Count your blessings! And by the time you are done, your life will feel the richness of your life.

Journal Writing Prompt 23 - Here and Now

2011-08-02T21:42:00.000+01:00

Focus on the present. Where are you right now in your life? You can journal about the physical location if you wish too, but think about your overall life. Are you happy in your present, or do you keep wishing for the past or the future? What would you like to change about your present? What you like to keep in it?

We spend far too much time in non-present (or maybe it's just me), so let's bring our journals and our minds in here and now. Dig deeper. Dwell in the present.

What Do You Use For Journal For?

2011-07-08T19:51:00.000+01:00

I'm looking for nouns, quick phrases that describes why you journal. As soon as you read this, what popped in your head?

Why do you journal?

I journal to...

plan
focus
understand
ramble
vent
share
record

And I am sure there are other reasons, but these are the ones I thought at this moment.

What about you? Why do you keep a journal?

Meet A Journal Keeper - Shane

2011-07-06T19:51:00.000+01:00

I began journaling on January 1, 1991, my Freshman year in college. I don't know why I started. I just had an empty notebook and wrote "journal" on it and never looked back. I am so grateful I stumbled across this incredible pastime. I was 22 when I started and have been journaling for 20 years now. I love journals. I have been on the hunt for manly journals ever since I bought my first hard back journal. There's plenty of blank books with kitty cats and flowers, but I have to dig deep to find the type I like. I like nostalgic covers, preferably with superheroes or Peanuts characters. My journals must be hard back covers and ruled, not that I've never made an exception. I like the standard size journal. Too big and too small messes up the visual on the bookshelf.

What do I journal about? Life. When I first started, my entries were pretty boring, just giving the run down of my day, but I ended each one with a prayer. I look back on some of those expressions to God and am overwhelmed by how much I needed His assistance in life. Now I write out my prayers (still), observations from my Bible study, funny or poignant things my kids say, victories and failures (because you can learn from both), revelations about marriage, and just over all how I'm feeling. When I was single, I journaled a lot. I would fill a book in 2 months. Now that I'm married with three kids, I don't have the same gumption for writing as much as back then, but the passion is still there.

I have filled over 50 journals and have about 25 waiting for me. I never start a new one until I've finished the current one, which is really hard when I have a really cool one waiting for me, but it's a rule established early on and I've kept it. I'm proud to say I earned the title of "Notebook Addict of the Week" from Nifty over there at the website Notebook Stories, and never knew how obsessive my passion for journaling was until I wrote about it to get nominated. But it has been fun to find websites like this and people like me who are fellow "Journal Addicts."

Coffee: The Greatest Addiction Ever

2011-06-28T19:34:00.003+01:00

What Do You Do With Your Journals?

2011-06-21T16:06:00.000+01:00

We all journal for different reasons. But what do you do with them after you have written them? Do you keep all your journals? Have you ever destroyed any?

Do you know - when you start keeping them - what you will do with them afterwards? Do you ever read your journals? Do you analyse them? Do you make notes in them or modify them?

I hope many of you will share your methods / madness / experiences...as I would love to start a discussion about what we do with our journals.

How is Your Journaling Going?

2011-06-17T21:28:00.000+01:00

I haven't been regular on the blog lately - but it happens. Life takes over. That is precisely why I have always refused to make a schedule for this blog. Because I love this blog - it's supposed to be fun, to share my thoughts and ideas about journaling process.

I follow the same principle for journaling. With the exception of rare challenges I go through, I don't have a schedule, or a ritual, or a particular place or time to journal. I journal whenever I feel like, wherever I feel like, and write whatever I want in it. And it works for me, because journaling is supposed to be personal. Us humans have whims and fancies, so why shouldn't our journals?

How many of your whims and fancies go in your journal? Does your journal reflect the pattern of your life?

Notebook Addict of the Week

2011-06-06T19:41:00.001+01:00

This week's Notebook Addict ....yours truly!

Check out my journal / notebook craziness here

Journal Writing Prompt 22 - Dare to Dream

2011-05-25T20:52:00.000+01:00

Journaling is not just about facing facts of your life...it's about opening your mind and your heart to possibilities. It's about believing in yourself. And if you are generally big on feeling down, it's about believing that good things CAN happen to you.

So today, Dare to Dream. Journal about something you would like to be, or achieve, or see. Anything....it might be something like travelling to a dream destination, or finding the man/woman of your dreams, having a child, having grandchildren, being famous...anything. Go all out.

BE DARING.

DREAM OUTRAGEOUSLY.

Don't even think about it not being realistic. Don't tell yourself that it probably won't happen. Who cares about reality....this is your time to dream. So go and dream. And have fun!

Journal Writing Prompt 21 - Right Now

2011-05-14T20:39:00.001+01:00

Today's journaling prompt is all about focusing on right now. Right this minute. (well, as soon as you read this, and open your journal).

Open your journal...write the date, the day, and what time it is
Then start writing, what's on your mind.

What are you thinking about? What's your state of mind? Are you happy? Sad? Worried? Normal?

What's driving you? Focus on the moment. Focus inwards. Pay attention to your thoughts, and write them down, as quickly as possible.

The purpose of this prompt is to learn to pay attention to the moment, as well as to later evaluate what's taking your energy. Are you worried about stuff that has nothing to do with your present life? Are you focusing on the right thing at the right time? Are your energies divided unequally? Pay attention. Assess. Journal.

Journal Writing Prompt 20 - Recharge

2011-05-08T22:02:00.000+01:00

Oh boy, it's been a while since I posted here. Sorry about that. I was having 2 weeks of real vacation for a change. 10 days holiday/family visit in New Jersey / New York, and then rest of the week off at home with my husband. Hardly any work. No looking at to-do list. It's been refreshing and relaxing.

So that's our prompt for today - Recharging Batteries

How do you recharge yours? Do you at all? Do you know when you need to? I will admit, I rarely give myself time off. Sure I have time off from my day-job, but not from my home-job as a writer + mental stress out telling me to push myself to do this and that. Sometimes, I know I need to take a break, and so I take a day or a weekend off. But I am not good at taking the time to recharge my batteries. At least not without guilt for "wasting time."

How do you feel? Are you okay to just sit down, do nothing, or watch TV? Or do you suffer with guilt? Journal about this. See whether you are taking care of your self, giving your mind and body time to charge and energize, or are you pushing yourself too much?

Journal Writing Prompt 19

2011-04-21T09:00:00.000+01:00

"Melancholy diminishes as I write. Why then don't I write it down oftener? Well, one's vanity forbids. I want to appear a success even to myself."

Above quote is from Virginia Woolf's diary. From October 25, 1920. So many years before our time, and yet I bet it would resonate with each one of us. Just look the amount of prompts you have in that one quote.

Let's break it down. And see how you can use this.

"Melancholy diminishes as I write" - How does journaling make you feel? Does it ease your burdens? Does it give you insights? Does it surprise you? Does it comfort you? How do you feel as you write in your journal?

"Why then don't I write it down oftener?" - Well, why don't you? What stops you from journaling regularly, or frequently? What are the reasons you think are facts? What are the excuses you make to yourself?

"Well, one's vanity forbids. I want to appear a success even to myself." - I don't know about you, but I'm certainly familiar with this problem. It is sometimes easier to use self-deprecating humour or comments to others, but admitting failure to oneself is harder. It may be just little failures, or perhaps just injury to one's vanity. How do you deal with it? Does your journal know the truth about you, or does it know the truth as you want it to be?

Journal Writing Prompt 18 - Busy Life / Stress / Responsibilities

2011-04-19T15:48:00.000+01:00

Let's face it - this must be one of the most common excuse for not journaling. People have jobs, families, hobbies, and other obligations. Most of the time it feels like we don't even have time to do what we need to do, let alone sit down and journal.

I picked this topic today, because currently I am going through incredibly busy period. That is saying something since my to-do lists are usually a mile long. But usually my busyness is self-made, whereas right now, there are more external factors outside my control. Most of the time my days seem to go in such a flurry of movement that it seems like blink of an eye between beginning of a Monday and ending of Sunday.

But here is the thing - I STILL JOURNAL.

Okay, admittedly I don't write pages after pages on most days. Though some days, I even do that. In fact, when I am incredibly busy it almost seems more necessary, because there are far more things going through my head and much less time to process them. So journaling means taking the time to clear my thoughts, reflect on what I am doing. As I said, I can't do it everyday, but I still manage to capture the highlights of my day.

So here is an assignment for you - no matter how busy you are, take few minutes to write in your journal. Write about your day. Write about what is keeping you busy. If you can't seem to focus on your thoughts because your brain is scattered all over the place, then write about all the things that you are doing, thinking. Even if it is mere fragments of thoughts going through head, and they make no sense. It doesn't matter. Write. Journal. Capture those thoughts.

If you are stressed - what is stressing you out? You may not find all the answers right now, and that's okay. At least you will know the causes.

Responsibilities - are your burdened by them? Perhaps you wouldn't even want to admit that it is a burden. Very well, but you are shouldering those responsibilities nonetheless. What are they? What do you HAVE to do? And now here is the interesting bit ....what IF ...you didn't do it? That's right. Go ahead. Speculate. What will happen? This will either show you the importance of what you are doing (in which case, hurray to you, and feel empowered for having this power over something), or make you realise that you could either stop doing this or delegate it.

So go ahead and journal. Your days may be busy, but make sure that your life is still productively busy, not merely stagnant.

Journal Writing Prompt 17

2011-04-11T09:29:00.000+01:00

Keeping a honest journal takes time and effort. I'm not talking about honesty in terms of facts, what you did, what you ate, wore etc. I am talking about honesty of feelings.

How did you feel when various things happened to you? What about feelings you don't want to admit? What if you got so mad at someone you know you really wanted to hurt them? Or perhaps you felt attracted to someone you shouldn't be feeling attracted to? Or maybe you are ashamed of something you have done.

Do you admit those feelings? Sometimes, we don't do it, because writing them would be admitting and acknowledging them. At other times, we don't do it, because we are not aware of it.

Avoidance is easy. Acknowledgement takes an effort.

So today I want you to acknowledge and accept one negative feeling. Pick one negative emotion. Whether it's anger, shame, pain, greed, jealousy....whatever you want.

Pick an emotion and write a letter to it.

Yes...I am talking about ....Dear Anger...

Then free write. Set a timer for minimum 10 minutes, longer if you feel up to it. Start writing. Don't worry about what you are writing. Don't worry about words or grammar or reptitions. Just write.

When you finish the letter, sign it. Seal it in an envelope.

Put that envelope away.

Give it a few days, or even few weeks, depending on how strongly whatever your wrote effected you.

Make a note in your calender, set a reminder in your PC, in your Blackberry...whatever you use. Make sure. Do it.

Set a date. And on that date, open that letter, read it, and journal about it.

Writing the letter was admission of your feelings.

Reading it, and journaling about how you feel as you read it, is acknowledgement of those feelings.

Dr. Who Moleskine 2.0

2011-04-09T07:00:00.001+01:00

I decorated my last moleskine with Dr. Who stickers. That's well-worn now, and full of course, so while I am using Jane Austen journal for a bit of a change, I spent some time decorating my next moleskine. Dr. Who theme again :-) So that's Dr. Who Moleskine 2. Totally Love It!! This is going to be my next personal journal, and I can't wait to use it.

The Isherwood Diaries

2011-04-05T17:03:00.000+01:00

Now and again I come across a book or an author, and I find myself annoyed thinking, "How the hell didn't I know about this writer before?" Christopher Isherwood is one of those people.
I discovered him just recently, a mere few weeks ago thanks to BBC. There was a dramatisation of "Christopher and His Kind", Isherwood's biographical book. After the dramatisation there was a recording of Isherwood's interview from California. I watched these two programmes, and I was fascinated.

So that weekend I went to the Central Library, looked through the shelves, and found "Christopher Isherwood Diaries Volume 1." This volume 1 is over 1000 pages long, and covers his diaries from 1939 to 1950s I believe. I haven't gotten that far yet.

I got this book from the library, but after reading the introduction and about 150 pages, I know that I will definitely buy a copy for myself. By the time this book begins, Isherwood is settled in America, and has been in a habit of keeping diaries. His diary entries reflect his life - life that to us may seem glamourous where his everyday contacts are authors, poets, hollywood directors. Life that seemed to exist for a lot of people in 30s and 40s who were part of a class which either came from blood or money or sometimes just right connections.

What I find fascinating is the fact that his diaries are about his life, but also about his inner journey. His struggle with himself, to find a deeper meaning in the world, of his confusion, of his relationships. This is a person's life. And what that person is someone as observant and insightful as Isherwood, reading those diaries take on a whole new meaning. They are also fascinating for the observations they offer of other people we may recognize. Imagine a casual observation by Isherwood that Huxley is writing a new novel, called Brave New World, set in an Utopia. You see, as you read this, how their writing, their choices, the beliefs and themes in their books, are reflected by the world they live in and the confusion they face.

I always enjoy reading other people's diaries. I wouldn't dream of reading someone's diary without their consent, simply because as great a temptation as it would, I wouldn't want someone to read mine. So published diaries are a treat. The authors are giving one permission to pry into their personal thoughts, into their intimate details. When these diaries belong to writers, they become even more fascinating for me.

Isherwood Diaries, I am sure will become one of my favourite book ever. Something that I would like to thumb through for a comforting read, or for journaling inspiration.

If you enjoy reading diaries, I strongly recommend this book. And if you have never tried reading diaries, what are you waiting for?

If you have read good diaries, then please recommend those in the comments. I would love to read more.

FJC Guest Post - Rowland

2011-04-03T17:55:00.000+01:00

FJC Guest Post - Shaynie

2011-03-31T07:00:00.000+01:00

FJC - Greetings From....Guest Post

2011-03-29T07:00:00.002+01:00

Sue - From the Magpie's Nest sent this post as a response to 13 Feb prompt - Greetings From...

Greetings From…

The Fireplace Hearth

I’m sitting on the rough red bricks that surround the fireplace with my back to the flames. It is mid-afternoon but might as well be twilight. What little light that reflects off the unbroken snow outside the sliding glass door is quickly swallowed up by the insulating curtains that stretch from ceiling to floor. This room is all about warmth and comfort. The walls are paneled in a reproduction of walnut, there is wall to wall carpeting on the floor, and all of the seating is upholstered, punctuated with squishy decorative pillows. A reader’s table stands between the plush recliner rocking chair and the nubby plaid love seat that also rocks. A cluster of pendants lamps allows the room’s occupants to choose the light that suits them best. There are magazines in the side racks of the table and library books stacked on its’ surface. Bookshelves flank the fireplace, supported by those same red bricks.

I am sitting on the hearth because that’s where the real warmth is. I’ve folded back the glass doors that are intended to keep sparks from flying into the room. They also intensify the heat. I wouldn’t be able to sit here and enjoy the warmth of the flames if the doors were closed, it would be too hot. Beyond the occasional snap of moisture vaporizing in the fireplace the room is quiet. No television (although there is one in the corner), no radio, nobody else in the house at the moment; just the scratching of my pen across the paper in my lap. This, truly, is bliss.

Review - City Moleskine - New York

2011-03-26T07:00:00.000Z

When I first learned about City Moleskines. I wanted them immediately. They seemed like just perfect products. So finally, I bought one.

When I received the package, my first surprise was that it was pocket size. It was my fault of course, for not checking, but I just assumed that with all the maps and stuff, pocket would be too small. So my first reaction was disappointment. That's because I never buy pocket moleskine. Large moleskine is my definition of compact journal, so that's just about the right, portable size for me.

However, despite the disappointment, I knew that I would get over it. So after a couple of days, I looked at my NYC moleskine again, and slowly, I got fond of it. Now, I am really looking forward to using it for my upcoming trip.

BUT said that, I will be using this because it's cute. It's moleskine. And it's a novelty factor.

I will not be buying any more city moleskines. Half the pages taken up in maps, with legended pages etc. I just don't believe this journal is a good value for money. There is not enough room to write. It's far too expensive for what's there. I will also be sticking my normal, large moleskines.

But to end with a positive note....here are pictures of my NYC moleskine, which in about a month's time will be filled up :-))

Journal Writing Prompt 16 - Internal Vs. External Writing

2011-03-24T07:00:00.002Z

Today I want you think about what you write in your journal. I say "journals" but I mean a combination of journal and diary - but let me define the difference between a journal and a diary.

A diary is a record of your life. What you did, what you ate, whom you met, where you went - facts and progress of your life, mixed with your observations, that is a diary.

A journal focuses inwards. It is more about your thoughts, exploring your psyche, wandering amongst your dreams and wishes and hopes and fears.

I use the term "journal" because I prefer it. However, my aim is to strike a balance between the two in my own writing. I want to record my life as I live it, but I also want to explore my mind.

In my everyday journals, focus tends to be more internal than external. I am on a quest to address this. In my travel journals, focus tends to be external rather than internal, and that I am trying to balance.

So today, think about what it is that you are keeping?

Are you keeping a journal or a diary?

Is it a conscious choice?

Do you want to address the balance? Do you want to do something different?

Write about it in your journal.

Letter

2011-03-21T20:52:00.001Z

I did several pages for this prompt. A personal letter, as well as a copy of one of my favourite letters ever, from Persuasion. Then the pasted page is from that day's Metro's letter page, which had a topic I felt inclined to comment on, and so scribbled all over it.

Inspiration

2011-03-15T08:00:00.000Z

Tourist Trail, Rivendell, Places in Another Time

2011-03-12T08:00:00.000Z

This was my entry for Places I Want to Visit in FJC Challenge

Historical & Fictional People I want to Meet

2011-03-10T10:00:00.000Z

On left page I did a WORDLE, and on right page, simply a long list of names.

FJC Title & Balance

2011-03-08T09:00:00.001Z

My Pages for February Journaling Challenge Title Page & Page for Balance

Stylish Blogger

2011-03-06T10:28:00.000Z

Here's what you gotta do:

1. Thanks and link back to the blogger who passed this award onto you

2. Share 7 things about yourself

3. Award other recently discovered great bloggers

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award.

Thanks to Girl Schmuck for giving me this lovely award

7 Things about myself

1. I am a fiction, working towards becoming a published author

2. But Monday to Friday, I am a regular office drone

3. LOVE LOVE LOVE - COFFEE

(Starbucks TOPS the favourite lists)

4. I have lived in three countries

5. Addicted to Stargate SG 1 and Stargate Atlantis

6. Favourite Fast Food Chain: Taco Bell

(I really really miss that about America)

7. Favourite Dr. Who - David Tennant

People I am passing on the award to

1. Shaynie at Journaling Journeys

2. Rowland at RAM

3. Karin at Nofretiris Dream of Writing

New Journal

2011-03-04T07:00:00.001Z

This is my new journal. Journal #21 to be precise. It's a beautiful Jane Austen journal by Potter Style. I am really enjoying writing in it. My Parker Frontier pen works great on it, and the journal is handy size for carrying it around. Looking forward to filling it up.

Meet A Journal Keeper - Karin

2011-03-02T07:00:00.001Z

I've never been the classical daily journaler, you might better entitle me as 'Special Event Journaler'.

TRAVEL JOURNALS

The best thing about traveling - I think, we don't have to discuss that - is for sure the journey itself! The second best, at least in my case, is being at home again and putting together a nice scrapbook full of memories. I like sitting in my living room, having tons of pictures around me, selecting the best and arranging them with tickets, prospects, postcards and other collectibles. It's like making the journey a second time. Most of the time I also have separate travel journal, where I keep all my thoughts and memories, a picture couldn't preserve. I wonder, why I've never came up with the idea to combine my scrapbooks with my notes? For sure, the next time I won't have any separate travels journals anymore, like the ones you can see on that picture.

DREAM DIARY

With my not existent history of diary writing, I've never expected myself to do that. But who's the person, who always used the quote 'Never say never!'? Yeah, right, that's also me! So, now I have to eat my own words. But like written in the intro, it had to be a 'special event' that brought me to use pen and paper. And then it had to be a special journal, too. I instantly fell in love with the 'Paperblanks Journals', their elegant look is simply predestinated for becoming a diary.

My daily journal stayed with me exactly as long as it takes to cope an illness a couple of years ago. But one thing remained. For the first time I really paid attention to the pictures, my brain produces during the night. That's what I still love to do: Write down all those fantastic adventures and sometimes even illustrate them! Have a look:

Those dreams are also my creative resource for my writing, my current novel is based on one of them.

ART JOURNALS

I won't talk about my 'Wreck This Journal', you can already see the results on my blog. But this little book was my start into Art Journaling. Below is a cover I created for February Journaling Challenge

Send Me Your Entries From February Journaling Challenge

2011-03-01T07:00:00.001Z

I am going to post several of my entries from February Journaling Challenge here during March, so you can see how I interpreted these prompts, and what I did with them. I would love to hear your comments.

Even more importantly, I would love to see what you did with yours. I have already followed entries of several of you, but it would be nice if others can see them too. So send me pictures of your entries. You can send them all if you like - I am not promising to post all of them, but I will choose a selection from everyone who sends them, and post them.

Please send them to lostwanderer5 [at] gmail [dot] com

Attach pictures, and if there is any text you want me to add, send it directly in email, in standard HTML or Plain Text.

Please send them by March 15 at the latest.

Thank you, and I sure hope to have a lot of emails from you guys.

FJC Day 28 - Knowledge

2011-02-28T06:00:00.002Z

Today is the last day of February Journaling Challenge. Karin and I want to thank all of you who have participated with us, and joined us in this wonderful journaling experience.

I hope you enjoyed it, and hopefully it enriched your life a little through your journals.

So we close today with a very end appropriate prompt : KNOWLEDGE

Happy Journaling

P.S. - If you would like to have these amazing prompts that Karin used to make our Prompt Images, please contact her HERE

FJC Day 27 - Story Spinner

2011-02-27T06:00:00.000Z

Today's prompt just leaves behind images in my mind. What about you? What does "Story Spinner" make you think, feel?

FJC Day 26 - On A Dark and Stormy Night...

2011-02-26T06:00:00.000Z

Prompt - On a dark and stormy night....

The beginning might be a cliché, but the rest doesn't have to be.

Happy Journaling!

FJC Day 25 - Quote

2011-02-25T06:00:00.000Z

Pick one or even more of your favourite quotes. Why are they your favourite? What do they do for you?

FJC Day 24 - Roads

2011-02-24T06:00:00.000Z

Today's prompt - ROAD (s)

What Road are you on?

Would you rather be on another?

Do you even know that you are on a road?

FJC Day 23 - Change

2011-02-23T06:00:00.000Z

CHANGE - do you welcome it? Do you fear it? Are you used to it? Have you gone through it? Or make it not about you. Make it about the world. About the life. About the universe. What will you change? What changes will you stop?

FJC Day 22 - Colours

2011-02-22T06:00:00.000Z

Colours. Have you ever wondered what the world would like without colours? Or what if you couldn't see? Colours are not just decorations - they are very much a part of our world, our lives, our personality. How do you respond to them? How important are they to you?

FJC Day 21 - Mystique

2011-02-21T06:00:00.001Z

Today's prompt is MYSTIQUE. Interpret is however way you like.

FJC Day 20 - Passion

2011-02-20T06:00:00.001Z

PASSION! I love this word. Say it out loud, and even just saying it makes you feel passionate. So write about passion today.

FJC Day 19 - Out of a Dream

2011-02-19T11:22:00.000Z

Hope you are having fun with this challenge so far. Today's prompt is: Out of a Dream. Whose dream? Well, that's up to you.

FJC Day 18 - Future

2011-02-18T06:00:00.002Z

We journalled about our past, and our present, so now let's look towards the Future. We are the product of experiences of our past, but also of hopes and dreams of our future. Future drives most of us - hopes of achievement, success, family, love. What do you want in your future? Or let's have little bit of fun and imagine what the world will be like? Perhaps you may even want to write futuristic story.

Happy Journaling

FJC Day 17 - Present

2011-02-17T06:00:00.001Z

After focusing on the Past yesterday, it only makes sense to focus on our Present today. So how is your life today? Do you wish it were any different? How do you like the modern world? Of course you don't have to answer any of these questions. You can use your own interpretation of this prompt. Happy Journaling!

FJC Day 16 - Past

2011-02-16T06:00:00.003Z

Today's prompt is: PAST. Interpret it however you like. Your past, nation's past, the world's past. Or what about your past lives? Possibilities are endless. Perhaps you want to revisit some old memories, or complain about what a glorious thing yesteryears were?

FJC Day 15 - Once Upon A Time...

2011-02-15T06:00:00.000Z

At a first glance it may seem obvious. What can you write with this prompt besides a fairy tale like story? That's where you think outside the box. Exercise those creative muscles. Once Upon a Time....yeah....when? what? who? where? why?

FJC Day 14 - Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T06:00:00.000Z

This is always a bit of controversial topic. Some people love it, others hate it. What about you? Use your feelings/memories/experiences/nightmares about Valentine's Day.

FJC Day 13 - Greetings From...

2011-02-13T06:00:00.001Z

That's it ...no explanations today....use your imagination, and tap into your creativity. I want to see what you make of this.

FJC Day 12 - Immortality

2011-02-12T06:00:00.001Z

Today's promt: Immortality. Interpret it anyway you like. Draw something, write something - fictional or non-fiction, paint, paste, collage.

Think about your views on immortality.

FJC Day 11 - FIVE SENSES

2011-02-11T07:00:00.002Z

So many of us don't use all our senses to its full potential. I certainly don't. So let's all pay attention to our five senses for a few moments. What do you see? What do you taste? What do you smell? What do you hear? What can you feel (touch)?

FJC Day 10 - A Perfect Solitary Day

2011-02-10T07:00:00.000Z

What's your perfect solitary day? Or go wild, and create a fictional one.

FJC Day 9 - Alphabet of You

2011-02-09T07:00:00.000Z

Use adjectives to alphabetise yourself....i.e. A = Angry, B = bold, C = cute etc. Don't feel shy about using good, powerful adjectives or bad ones. This is about acknowledging who you think you are.

FJC Day 8 - Dream House or A House of Dreams

2011-02-08T07:00:00.001Z

Ah this one is full of possibilities. How would you interpret it? What are you going for? Dream House or A House of Dreams. I would love to hear what you guys do with it.

FJC Day 7 - When I'm grown up, I want to be...

2011-02-07T07:00:00.000Z

And if you think you are already grown up, let me tell you, we all have some growing up to do forever. If you don't believe me ask your wife/husband/sibling - they will set you straight!!

FJC Day 6 - A Letter

2011-02-06T07:00:00.001Z

Today's prompt: A Letter. Write one, talk about one, paste one....whatever you want.

FJC Day 5 - Divinity

2011-02-05T07:00:00.000Z

Prompt for today is: Divinity. Whatever it means to you.

FJC Day 4 - Places You Would Love to Visit

2011-02-04T07:00:00.001Z

Prompt for Day 4: Places You Would Love To Visit. Remember, there are no limits, and certainly no limits to imagination. Think of the places you would love to see, real or imagined. Stretch your boundaries, and the world will open itself to you.

FJC Day 3 - Inspiration

2011-02-03T07:00:00.001Z

Prompt for Day 3: Inspiration. It's every where, in so many different forms. How do you discover it? What inspires you? What do you want to be inspired for?

FJC Day 2 - People You Would Love To Meet

2011-02-02T07:00:00.001Z

For Day 2, think about the people you would love to meet. They could be from any place, any time, dead or alive. You can include as many as you like.

FJC Day 1 - Balance

2011-02-01T07:00:00.001Z

Welcome to the February Journaling Challenge. If you didn't see the earlier post, click here to see what this is all about. My friend and this Journaling Challenge partner, Karin, has designed images for each prompts. Check out her entries here.

Each day I will post a prompt that we will be using for the day, and feel free to do absolutely anything you want with it: draw, write, doodle, paint. If you want to share your entries on your blogs, leave a link in the comment section, or if you would like me to post them on my blog, I will be happy to include them in guest slots. You can contact me at lostwanderer5 [at] gmail [dot] com.

So without further ado, the prompt for today:

Famous Diary - Exceprt

2011-01-30T13:01:00.000Z

Entry from Virginia Woolf's Diary
September 13, 1925

P. S. Don't forget - February Journaling Challenge starts from Tuesday, and a prompt for the day will be posted each morning.

Does Handwriting Matter?

2011-01-28T08:40:00.000Z

Journaling on actual, paper journals is a very tactile experience. It's a concentration of and connection to whole of your being in that one process, where you transfer your emotions and thoughts from your heart and brain to a piece of paper. So does it matter what the end result looks like? How is the handwriting in your journals? Are you pouring the words out as fast as possible, regardless of its legibility or are you careful, slow writer who thinks before writing? Or are you naturally speedy and organised? Do you try to change your handwriting? Does it change by itself depending on what you write? Do you care about the prettiness of your script or tidiness?

For me, legibility is definitely important. If I can't read my own writing, it seems a waste of time to have written it in the first place. I naturally write tidy so it's okay, and fortunately I can write almost as tidily while on the bus or train etc. There are times when my handwriting goes rubbish - but it's usually if I have to stop writing for some reason (like get off the bus) and want to finish the sentence, or if I am writing about some strong emotional issue and really want to get the feelings out as soon as possible. I would love to do old fashioned calligraphy, but I have no idea how to do that, so I stick to normal handwriting.

What about you? Share your views on handwriting.

Moleskine Pen Test - Results

2011-01-22T09:33:00.000Z

About two months ago, I did a post on testing several pens for Plain Moleskine. Having used them now, here is my result.

Uniball Signo 207, 0.7

It was okay on Moleskine, but it actually turned out to be absolutely perfect for my Travel Journal. So I stopped using it in Moleskine. 0.7 nib works better on thicker pages.

Pilot G-Tec - C4

Definitely better suited to drawing. Too fine for continuous and speedy writing. It's not bad, but it just doesn't flow as smoothly as I would like. As most of what I do is write, I won't be buying any more of these.

Pilot G2-0.38

Good pen, but again, bit too fine for my purpose. This is the one I am currently using, and I am almost out of the ink. But even after the usage, it's not completely smooth flowing.

Pilot G2-0.5

PERFECT. I love it. This is definitely THE PEN for Plain Moleskines. I believe it so much that I have bought packs of 12 refills for my Black and Blue pens. I know someone mentioned in the comments in the Test post that after some usage the ink will flow smooth (I had complained that it wasn't), and they were right. After I used it for a bit, it was perfect. Easy to hold, fast to write, flows on the page, and doesn't mess up handwriting. I can see now why everyone always associates this pen with moleskines.

Pilot G2-0.7

Okay, but same principle as Uniball Signo. 0.7 is slightly too thick for thin pages of Plain Moleskines. It's usable, but it's better suited to thicker pages of other journals.

Check Out My Interview On Keeping A Journal

2011-01-20T18:19:00.001Z

I did an interview for Kristin at Journaling Saves about keeping a journal. Check it out

February Journaling Challenge

2011-01-16T08:00:00.001Z

I have some exciting news. My good friend, Karin and I have decided to do a February Journaling Challenge. We hope you will join us, and participate.

RULE

Journaling is not about rules, so we have kept that to minimum with only one rule:

All you have to do is follow a daily prompt, and do ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING YOU WANT WITH IT. You can do an art journal page, drawing, writing, doodling, poetry, fiction, whatever you want.

We have specifically selected prompts that could be used in a variety of ways, because even Karin and I are approaching this Journaling Challenge from very different sides. Karin's main form is mixed media journal, and mine is writing. So as you can imagine, our entries and our interpretation of the prompts are likely to be very different.

You can join us, and do whatever appeals to you.

PROMPTS

We will post prompts daily on both our blogs.

Nofretiri Dreams of Writing

Journal Addict

OUR PAGES

As I said - journaling is not about rules. So I will share some of my pages, depending on what I do with those prompts. Some of the entries may be too personal to share. Karin is planning to share all her pages. Our entries will be posted on our respective blogs.

If you want to share yours with us, please contact us, and we will be happy to post them on our blogs. Even if you don't want to show your entries, just join us on this amazing Journaling journey, where you devote the shortest month of the year - only 28 days - to journaling every day. You can do as much or as little you want, but I believe that at the end of the month, you will feel happier or at least more insightful for this exploration.

Moleskine Protective Bag

2011-01-12T19:52:00.000Z

I promised Nofretiri ages ago that I will post a picture of my cute moleskine bag. Finally here it is. And since I delayed, for a bonus, I am also posting a picture of the bag (present from my sister) that I am using for my filofax.

Creating the Space for Journal Writing

2011-01-06T18:29:00.000Z

Do you journal as much as you want to? Perhaps you don't journal at all, but would like to. Whatever your situation, I hope this post will help you. This is about creating physical space as well as emotional space.

When keeping a journal becomes a second nature, all most of us need is to pick up our journal and a pen and start scribbling. Location - as long as relative privacy is ensured - doesn't matter, nor does noise or any other distractions. The world surrounding us becomes part of our journaling experience, and yet we are not distracted by it, because we are immersed in the journaling process.

But what if you are not yet at that stage? What if Journaling for you is not a second nature, but rather a regular habit that you are trying to cultivate, a hobby you are trying to develop, or simply a necessity to share your thoughts? If that is you - then sometimes, you may find that you don't want to journal. Either you can't be bothered, because it's too inconvinient to go find that journal, find a comfortable place to write, find a right environment etc.

This is where issue of space comes in.

Physical Space
Keep it somewhere you can have easy access. Ideally near a place you would generally journal. I.e. in your desk, on the coffee table

Make sure you feel comfortable with the level of privacy about this place. I recommend keeping it out of sight, even if your family respects your privacy. Even under another book would do. Why tempt people to open it by shoving your journal under their noses?

If you are able, carry it with you and write whenever you get a chance. You may find writing in it in odd moments, capturing moments of your day that might otherwise go unrecorded.

Make it easy on you. If you have to get your journal out from a back of a wardrobe every time, and digging it out takes you ten minutes, you are unlikely to write regularly.

Emotional Space
What if you feel so overwhelmed with emotional issues that it's too difficult to write? Or perhaps you think you can't write. That's when creating emotional space comes in useful.

If you are dealing with emotional issues that are having impact on your life, on your relationships, journaling could help you deal with them. It is not a substitute for professional help if the situation requires it, but it can be a great self-help tool anyway.

First thing to keep in mind - Start Slow.

It's okay if you don't feel capable of expressing all your feelings by writing. It's okay if you don't feel at ease about exposing your fear or your opinions. It's okay if you don't feel comfortable writing something that could make you vulnerable if someone else read it.

Start slow.

Write what you do feel comfortable about.

Write a list of things you fear. Write a list of things you wish would change. Write a list of things you are grateful about. Or everyday, simply write about your day, and at the end of it, write what you wish you could have done differently.

There will come a time when you can decide to act on it. To do something different. To change habits and behaviours that are keeping your trapped in your present emotional state. Or perhaps it's other people. Write about those people. Evaluable your feelings. Is it really them? Or is it your intepretation of their actions? If it is them, what can you do? Is it something you can fix by open, honest conversation or do those people need to be cut off from your life?

None of these are easy issues. But creating emotional space is about honesty with your self. You must face your emotions if you are to deal with them. Unless you know the root of what's troubling you, and the root cause for your life not being the way you like it to be, you cannot even begin to solve it. Of course not everything in life is in our control, but then journaling will help you understand and hopefully accept that.

Happy Journaling!

Journaling Goals for 2011

2011-01-03T21:39:00.000Z

It wouldn't do not to have some new goals for this year's journaling, so here it is:

In 2011, my main goal is to Carry My Journal Everywhere.

I have tried it in the past, but except for Travel Journals, never been consistent because I was always worried about ruining my journals, carrying them along with all the other crap that seems to accumulate in my handbags. But I found a solution. While on holiday in Tenerife, I found some pretty pouches, one of which is a perfect fit for my moleskine, so even in the oversized handbag with half my household inside, my journal will be protected.

A part of me does wonder if there is any point in carrying it around, since most of my day is scheduled (i.e. at work), so I wouldn't actually get a chance to write, but then I think even if it happens only now and again, some odd moments of journaling, it's bound to add bit more depth and characters to my journals than simply doing it at home.

What about you? Do you carry your personal journal around with you? Do you have any particular Journal Keeping goals for 2011?

Journal Writing Prompt 15 - Happy New Year

2011-01-01T13:44:00.001Z

Happy New Year, my fellow Journal Scribes. I hope 2011 has a better beginning for you than it does for me (flu since 26th, and still going).

Of course traditional thing to do on a New Year's Day is to make a New Year's Resolution. But I don't like resolutions, because they have this negative connotation that no one actually keeps them. So I make goals. You can do whatever you want. Goals, plan, might-do, resolution...etc....but why don't you take some time today to journal about where you would like to go and what you would like to achieve in your life, or in your self in 2011.

Without a goal post, it's impossible to aim for something. Even if the goal post changes later on, at least you have a direction to go in.

So think about what dreams you would like to pursue this year, and get journaling.

Affirmation Experiment - Result

2010-12-30T14:23:00.000Z

A few months ago, I started Affirmation Experiment to see if affirmations, so often claimed to be successful by psychologists and therapists and inspirational leaders work for me.

So what happened to the experiment?

Well, in short - it was a FAILURE.

It did not work for me. But like life, most things are not black and white. I think it has potential. I think it could work. But the reason it did not work for me, was because I couldn't remain consistent enough in sticking to saying the affirmations.

Often I simply didn't have time in the mornings, or I forgot, or half the time I was in public so I could just look at them, not actually repeat them out loud. One thing I would say is that when I did speak them out loud, it did fill me with inspiration and motivation - just as I do when I read a good quote or a good poet, or listen to inspirational speech. So over long term, and more devoted and disciplined effort, yes, I think it could work.

While the experiment itself failed, I have still kept my affirmation post-its all over my PC, so they are still there when I sit at my desk to inspire me.

Perhaps in the future, I might take it up again and try to be more disciplined at it, but for now, I just read them out as and when I remember them.

Have you had more success with affirmations?

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T15:10:00.002Z

I wish all of you a very Happy Christmas :-) Enjoy the holiday season, enjoy the time with your family and friends, and keep journaling.

Thank you for being here - for taking the time to visit this blog. I appreciate it very much.

Merry Christmas

Dolly

Journal Writing Prompt 14 - Travel Journal

2010-12-06T08:00:00.000Z

Since Travelling is on my mind at the moment, let's keep the theme. You don't need to go anywhere special. But you do need to open your mind, and your eyes. Take some time to look at your everyday world with new sight. Find something you haven't noticed before. Take time to think about something that usually blends into your background, as you make automatic journey.

What is it about your village, town, city that you like? What is your favourite place? When was the last time you saw something new in your local area? How long have you lived here? Would you recommend it as a place to visit or you can't wait to get out? If you want to leave, what's keeping you there? Each question you answer will lead to a lot more question. This entry can be something as simple as looking at your local place through a tourist's eye, or a deep journey into your psyche about why you are staying where you are. Go where your words lead you. Go write.

Turn of the Century Journal

2010-12-03T13:00:00.002Z

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20101117/news/311179997/jennifer-jacksons-port-townsend-neighbor-column-teens-turn-of

Thanks to Dave Terry for sending me this fascinating link, about a teenager's journal from 1909. Check it out!