For many years I thought journaling was a waste of time because I couldn’t pay my mortgage with my journal after all. Sure, it’s fun, however, is it the best use of my time? I didn’t really get that the purpose of journaling or art journaling is to stop and breathe. It’s my time to reflect, and time to play. When you take the opportunity to fill your well with all of these things (play, reflection, experimentation, writing), you see more clearly and the ideas somehow magically begin to lead to new creative thoughts.
Art journaling is also a great way to document your life moments, big and small. You’ll capture sweet moments and perhaps even those that were painful or disturbing. I’ve learned to embrace art journaling more and more with each passing year that I walk in the path of creativity. I’m so glad I have; if not, I may have not remembered this passage from one of my older journals that incorporate more writing in addition to art.
Journal Entry ~ 2013: A letter to my younger self.
Dear Self:
You don’t have to fill every minute of the day with a never-ending to-do list. You are by far the only one who will ever push yourself to the great lengths you do to accomplish more in one day than most do in a week. Be totally okay with just doing what makes you happy, as that is more than enough.
Don’t be afraid to fill your day with things you are passionate about.
Be excited to be a part of a kind and generous life.
Simply be present. Be in the moment.
Don’t just focus on what you are good at, focus on what rocks your socks off, because that is what you really should be doing every day.
Write more. Dream often. Run with your shoes off and stop worrying about stepping on a rock. You will step on a lot of them, as you should. It may not be easy to go after what makes you feel great, but it will be worth it.
Breathe in, and breathe out. You were meant for this. Believe it. See it, and truly live it.
Surround yourself with those who will cheer you on, you know–the type of people that don’t just “get” you, but make you better because they are in your life. Be the person that chooses passion over balance.
Being scared is normal, but don’t let that stop you in your tracks. Use your fear to fuel your fire and catch your desire while it’s red hot and full of energy.
You got this. Now go live the life you were meant to.
~~~
If you haven’t tried art journaling, summer is a perfect time to slow down and begin to document your hopes, dreams, aspirations, thoughts, or anything else that happens to be on your mind. Grab some paint, pens, papers, and your book, and just go for it.
For more art journaling inspiration, check out my DVD Tandem Techniques, where I show how you can not only paint a full size painting, but work on a journal at the same time. Trust me, it’ll get you inspired if you weren’t already!
