Blog – List Post

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Travel Journaling

Traveling and journaling? Yes, please.

One of my mothers, Library Linda, once told me: “Wherever you go, there you are.” So, even if you are traveling, and eating oysters on the shell, visiting monasteries, tasting mead, and eating new flavors of potato chips like onion and cheese, you still must tend to yourself.

When I was in Ireland a few weeks ago, I still ruminated about my health concerns, vented to a friend about current heartbreak over a strained relationship, and responded to my partner going into the red zone because of the stressful bus transportation.

But it was also a gift to continue to journal while traveling. I received a travel journal from my sister-in-law, and it offered delightful prompts, which can be completed in one sitting and not require lots of triggering or deep dives of psychic issues. But the prompts do allow you to still intentionally explore your feelings and thoughts, as well as memorable sensations. It’s also been fun to keep a brief record of our meals, souvenirs, and tours/walks.

The last time I was in Ireland was 21 years ago, and I am realizing how much more confident and grounded I am now while traveling. But I also realized I am not the same young woman who traveled so long ago. I have to check in a lot more with myself, self advocate when I am feeling out of sorts, and rest, even though my mind wants to adventure.

My travel journal comforted me and was something I looked forward to communing with in the mornings in the old world. You? How do you like to travel and journal?

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One Word as Journal Entry

 

I love what Elizabeth Gilbert asks us as women creators in _Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear_: “Do you have the courage to bring forth the treasures that are hidden within you?”

A “moment,” a “rebirth,” a “nest,” a “cocoon.” These words all come to mind when I think of the “seed I planted” for this shed shortly after my marital separation. 4 years later, and it is a real thing.

The shed is having a moment! The roof trusses are on and all four walls are standing!

And the “one word” journal entry is actually a thing. It’s not just the Zen Buddhist who gets to simplify! Try this for your next journal entry:


One Word (Beginning of Day Matin): Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and be still. Write one word on your wall, desk, or computer describing the feeling, energy, or task you would like to have in the foreground during your day today. Share here as a comment if you would like.



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One Word (End of Day Vesper): Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and be still. When the day has come to an end, write one word describing the outcome, method, or process you achieved in your day today. Share here as a comment if you would like.

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Fake it Till You Make It?

What’s in a photo? What’s in a moment to get the perfect shot? Let me fix my hair, let me get “on my good side,” let me take off my hat, let me point my toe to make my legs look longer. Let me fix my posture. Are my tits up?

What would your body say if it was acting as if it were on stage?

Would it “fake it’ til you made it”?

Glib advice, suggesting that inauthenticity is key to success.

But what about just acting as if you were already successful?

Here’s a journaling prompt to celebrate someone you are becoming–

Write a letter to your future self who has already accomplished ___________ (fill in the blank):

–Praise your future self.
–Congratulate her on the specific steps it took.
–Acknowledge how she overcame the challenges.

Brain Fact: Behavioral rehearsals are excellent ways to mentally and emotionally prepare yourself for positive change. By imagining your wins in the future, you’re on your way!

–Journaling prompt taken from _Journal to the Self_ card deck by Kathleen Adams

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