GPP #30 - Journal Each Day ~ It's the best medicine

Many thanks to all of the crusaders who stopped by and left comments on my handwriting and custom brushes (see my previous post). Some friends commented on how they find it hard to find things to write about in their journals. I felt the same way when I first started to blog. When I look back at those early entries, the writing was timid and dry. In the last year my writing now flows and I have an endless supply of topics and ideas - too many to record as I juggle a busy schedule of working full-time as a single mother. How did my confidence in my writing grow? By writing everyday! Julia Cameron urges her readers in "The Artist's Way" to journal every morning. I look forward to this time and have discovered that I dip into a deep well of ideas every time that I do.

Each day I receive an inspiration quote from the Henri Nouwen Society. I couldn't believe it when the quote appeared in my in-box titled, "Writing, Opening a Deep Well." I just had to share this with the other crusaders who struggle with writing. Henri says it perfectly when he writes, "But much good writing emerges from the process of writing itself." You may not be a morning person and in that case I suggest you find "your best time" to quietly sit and write three full pages. My morning pages journal is a simple notebook - it isn't anything fancy or expensive. When I start writing it may begin with mundane and routine things but within a few sentences the river starts flowing and I explore so many ideas.

But wait...look what else came in the mail this week, another Henri Nouwen reflection:

Look he did it again! He appeared in my in-box with words that reflect the power of writing and sharing our words with others. I have been touched beyond measure by comments and e-mails that I have received from bloggers the world over. I've taken risks when I share my journey and my personal stories. The risks have been worth it. This feedback has inspired me to keep creating and writing. I feel blessed that I've been a source of inspiration and consolation for so many. In turn the response to my writing has given me more than you can know. I thank you for reading!

Serendipity Strikes Again!
And just when I thought lady luck struck only twice look what came in today: Merriam-Websters word of the day is "chirography."

I nearly fell off my chair at work when I read the word of the day. Now how cool is this? The connections keep happening!

For more inspiration check out Michelle Ward's GPP Street Team challenge. This month it is all about using our own handwriting in our journals.

Comments

[michelle ward]

Kathryn - I love these goosebump moments - synchronicity, serendipity - when you are in the right place, at the right time, with the right frame of mind, and can be open to make connections (even if they only make sense to us). Thanks for sharing this part of your process Kathryn - I've never looked into The Artists Way, but morning pages sounds like a good idea....might need to look that up. xo

[Bev]

You always have ways to inspire others, especially me. Thanks for sharing your journals and proceses. I loved your entries and art once again.
I have subscribed to Henri's daily meditation -what a nice way to start the day. And I must return to The Artist's Way.
Bev

[Lay Hoon]

Thanks for sharing this .
I'll paste it to my daily diary too :)

[margie]

you have been an inspiration to me. i glued a picture in my journal. trust me it's a big step. please don't make fun of my pathetic attempt.

[Jane]

Hi Kathryn,
I love all the serendipitous cool things that happened. I love the Artist's Way too. Morning Pages OH yes!! Thank you for the inspiration.

--Jane

[Cheryl @ MandalaOasis]

Kathryn,
Oh I am so glad I stopped by here tonight! The quotes on writing are serendipitous :)) I've been, dare I say, procrastinating about writing..you know, sleeping in and all. Anyway.. just reading those notes from Henri N. have me inspired; and it's so true, writing rights us, as Julia Cameron says. Setting things aright daily, gaining clarity and gifting myself w/that time is important. Thank you for your generous sharings in Bloglandia. Isn't it wonderful that by sharing ourselves, others are blessed by that..and vice versa. I love it!
enjoy :)
xxoo, Cheryl

[inge]

Hello Kathryn

I don't find the time to write in a journal, but once in two weeks I write a whole page about each child in my Poppy class( 10 pages, I have 10 children in my class...) to let the parents have an idea of what their child experience at school, cause they can't tell it themselves.
When I'm writing I do find myself finding more and more things to tell: just small life events, but things that just add "that" little more to the childrens life.

I also experienced that my blog is important for me.
I have so many things to write about and when past thursday our youngest cat got killed and I felt sad and sick about it, writing a blogpost was a healing process ( although tears were running down while I was writing...)

I also recieve something similar each day on my mail : "daily thoughts" and some quotes really speak to me, come to me sometimes just at a time they suit perfect,... I keep them to reread and to use in the future.
In our toilet at school we have a whiteboard... sometimes it's just nonsense people write to have a laugh, but I already used it a few times to write a quote on it... and people react...

Do you have a link to the Henri Nouwen society ? I would love to recieve these thoughts too...

When I read your post I can admit that you've made a growth in your writing. Now it seems that everything you have in mind, flows on the 'paper' just like that...
You have become a talented" writer" : you can express in a great way what you have in mind and reading the comments, it means a lot for a lot of people !

thanks for sharing !
hugs
Inge