Welcome to the first post in the new series Journal Notes.
I’ve regularly shared the power of journal writing and encourage everyone i meet to establish some form of a journal practice.
Before you start your comments of why you can’t or don’t journal, I want to encourage you to let go of your past preconceptions of what makes a good journal writer. In fact, most individuals are already journaling but do not recognize their calendar, twitter feed or to do lists as journal writing.
Throughout this series, I hope to bring ideas, prompts and introduce the various types of journal writing. Journal writing can be fun, therapeutic and creative all at the same time.
When first starting to journal, many individuals do not know where or how to start. It can feel awkward to sit down with a piece of paper and begin writing.
Many people benefit from using a prompt either in written form such as a word or sentence or using somethings such as a photograph. This prompt provides you with a place to start. The important aspect here is to attempt to not censor what you are saying and allow your words to flow.
Don’t worry about spelling or grammar. This is your work and no one has to read this but you.
Today I am linking up with Mia and Vashelle and their Write or Die Wednesday Series. Weekly they will provide a prompt where readers are encouraged to exercise their writing skills. It’s a wonderful place to share creativity and to realize once again that there is no right or wrong way to write.
Today’s prompt is this photograph. Allow this prompt to take you in whatever direction you need to go.
As I look at this photograph, I can’t help but wonder what else is out there. I’m curious if the land continues to be flat or if hills and mountains are close by. Would I walk forever until I came to a house or a stream or even trees? The weather is warm but cool enough to need long sleeves. It’s peaceful and quiet and I allow myself to take deep breaths. Occasionally, I hear and feel the wind and a bird but there is little else.
I would like to lay back in this field and look up at the sky. It reminds me of my grandparents farm and feeling the cold ground but enjoying the silence of the farm. I no longer have a place like this to go to but realize I need to turn off from the noise in my life. Nature reminds you to utilize all of your senses which is something I sometimes forget to do.
Have you thought about establishing a journal practice? What’s holding you back?
Using a photograph as a prompt that anyone could do. It can evoke feelings and emotions or you can create a story. Make sure to follow others in the link up to read their thoughts about today’s prompt.
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Hi there! Stopping by via WODW link up!
I love your post, and believe its very important to disconnect and spend time in nature. We are so immersed in technology and the concept of staying busy.
New follower and looking forward to reading more of your posts
Becca http://www.howbeccarolls.blogspot.com
I never thought about using prompts for journaling! I keep a prayer journal that I will use to write and reflect on occasion, but have always found journaling to be very calming! I love the practice of mindfulness and taking the time to slow down. Also, there are so many beautiful journals out there– how could I not?! Another wonderful post, Sheryl!
you`re so right about nature. it`s hard for me to remember that, living in a desert! laying in the field and looking up at the sky sounds amazing right now.
I’m with you Chelsea for I live in the dessert as well. 🙂
I live nearby fields and haven’t taken the time to do it lately! Thanks for stopping by!
Your tips are very helpful. I write in a gratitude journal in the evenings. I sometimes will do creative journaling as well. It’s fun to get your creative juices flowing that way. Great post and I love your blog.
stop by http://www.lucyintheskyblog.com
I’ve kept journals sporadically throughout my life – especially at times when I was going through something that I couldn’t share with others. Now, I update my blog almost everyday but there are still private thoughts I have that I would NEVER share with the world. So I keep a journal, just not as meticulously as I would like.
Sheryl, thank you for linking up with us and including our linkup in your post about journaling 🙂
I love how you made me think beyond the picture, which is something I did not do initially! What IS beyond this field of dandelions? Is this area inhabited? Is it springtime?
I so hope you will join us again next week!!
I had several posts preplanned and it took me several weeks to get here but I do love this link-up. It’s wonderful to read how everyone takes the prompt in different directions and I certainly plan on being here on a weekly basis.
Yay Sheryl, so glad you linked up with us! Journaling is one of my absolute favorite things, so it’s an honor to be featured in your post. 🙂 I think it would be so peaceful to lay in the field and look up at the sky. Maybe see some birds leisurely flying by. Listen to the wind. Just beautiful. Thanks for sharing with us, friend! 🙂
So glad I was able to finally have a free Wednesday! Love reading what others have written and plan to continue on as long as you have the link up. Thanks for having great prompts.
I went to a journaling for wellness class tonight and I loved it. I have my blog, but it was so nice to actually put pen to paper and write that way. I used to write in a journal all the time and I really need to get back in the habit because it does help me feel better about things.