Journaling has become incredibly popular as of late, but I noticed that a good amount of those who start a journal would begin to lose interest. They felt guilty for not writing as much as they think they should, missing days, or weeks even, and just letting it fall even off the back burner. I also think that the media shows these beautifully appointed journal pages that are impossible to recreate for most people, making them feel as if they will never measure up, so why bother…? That’s such a shame, because I think the issue is perspective. I don’t see my journal as a chore, but view it as a friend, confidant, personal assistant, and portable art gallery. I love my journals. I keep track of my days, share my thoughts with no judgement, draw, paint, and collage, and best of all free my mind of information overload by just jotting stuff down. My journal posts can be anywhere from just a few lines to a few pages, depending on the way the wind blows that day. I too am guilty of not adding on a daily basis. Sometimes days, weeks, or more go by and I haven’t written or drawn a thing. But honestly, during that time, I’ll realize that I’m kinda miserable. Too many thoughts swirling in my head, too much to remember, not giving myself enough me time to create art, and generally feeling a bit overwhelmed. My journals have become a low cost, yet high yield device that ultimately allows me to feel calm and comforted. I feel a tremendous sense of happiness and well-being just knowing that my journal is near by. And this is the thing: my journal is for me, not for anyone else, unless I choose to share it.
My writing doesn’t have to be perfect, just honest. And by keeping it as simple, or as complex, as I want it, it becomes a little world that I have management over, in world that increasingly seems out of our hands. My journal doesn’t scold me for not getting everything done on my to do list that day, I work out issues that may seem a little too large at the moment, and experiment with art ideas and techniques. As Martha Stewart has said, “It’s a good thing.”
If journaling has let you down in the past, reconsider. Perhaps a fresh mindset is in order. Remember, there’s no pressure, a journal is for you.
Jos