“If it is written…
so shall it be done.” Famous quote from the movie The Ten Commandments. And it’s not so much that the Pharaoh, ruler of ancient Egypt, wrote it down as it was that once written he was then accountable to what he decreed.
The written word has the potential to change paths, alter a mind-set, soothe a soul, give hope, and so much more.
Journaling, one way to infuse words with the potential to do meaningful things, is a great way to make your heart manifest.
But if you are like me, I go through journaling waves where I have loads to say or months go by without an entry. I do free writing, a style of writing without thinking when I do journal. However, sometimes I want my entries to feel more… purposeful.
The following four ideas for journal writing have a singular purpose or goal but they also have the potential to change your course.
1. Do a One Day Journal of Your Thoughts
That’s right. Your thoughts. Because what you spend your time focused on and thinking about is what your life is all about.
Try eight hours and check in each hour. After the first or second hour you’ll notice how much more aware of your thoughts and self-talk you will become. Or you can jot down thoughts as they come rather than having to remember what you were thinking about the last sixty minutes.
Try not to evaluate them. Just write. There will be time later to determine what your thoughts were centered on such as relationships, any fears of making change in your life, or regrets you have about where you are currently.
Whatever your focus is on, try to find perspective by comparing your thoughts to what is real.
How you feel about something, or someone is only the beginning. What’s important is if you are allowing those feelings to limit yourself, downplay your skills, or stop you from achieving your goals all together.
After eight hours, wait a couple of days before looking over what you have written. Most of us have become experts at hiding how we feel about ourselves from ourselves.
Hopefully, this journal will give you a look inside.
2. A New Goal Journal
Want to learn a new skill, language, or about the culture before you visit a new place? Write a book, start a creative hobby, or expand your vocabulary? Document it in a journal.
Start with research, which will help you decide if it’s something you really want to pursue. Then make a supply list or a list of steps to take depending on the goal.
Once you begin, you can then document what it’s like, what you learn, and again if it’s something you are curious about or something that truly lights your fire.
Also, your research just might take you in a direction that you didn’t even know existed.
This type of journal can be really satisfying to look back on once you reach your goal as well as show you how far you have come. Not to mention prove indispensable if you decide to expand on your goal.
3. A Nature Journal
Journal about everything you see in your garden, a nearby park, or nature reserve.
Collect whatever you can like leaves and fibers and affix to your journal using a glue stick. Sketch birds, trees, insects, plants, whatever intrigues you. Don’t worry if you feel you lack any artistic ability. Art is unique to the person. Plus, practice will only improve your skills.
Then, write about the way what you saw and/or discovered altered your perspective in that moment.
It’s much too common to walk through your day without noticing the beauty all around you in today’s busy world. This journal will help you reconnect to the world that you live in.
Try to find a journal without lines for this one.
4. A Haiku Journal
I was going to say a poetry journal but that could quickly become a book, Lol.
Haiku are more manageable. Originating from Japan, a Haiku is a short poem consisting of three lines. The first line has five syllables, the second seven, and the third five.
Here is one of my favorites:
broken bowl
the pieces
still rocking
-Penny Harter
As you can see the Haiku syllable structure is not strictly adhered to. However, for a successful one, the following guidelines should be followed: limit adjectives, set in the present, and avoid needless conjunctions.
Confine your poem to what can be seen, heard, smelled, tasted, or touched. Make every word matter.
Although brief, the goal of the Haiku is to make you feel something. And it is more challenging than you would think.
Self-Expression or Self-Discovery
Well, that’s it. I hope one of the four ideas appeals to you.
I’ve always wanted to start a nature journal. I love the way plant, birds, and insect sketches look.
The goal is always self-expression or self-discovery.
Remember, there is always time to love on yourself.
“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.”
Erich Fromm (1900-1980) Germany/USA
Leave a Reply