This hobby has long eluded me. I spent years trying to write in a journal and failing miserably to keep up with the habit. I have piles of journals lying around my bedroom. I have every intention of getting into them, but I fear so much about what I might put down.
I fear that I will write something that might hurt someone else’s feelings long after I am gone. Even with the painful moment well over with in my own head, I think about what happens when I die, who will get my journals, who will read them, what if they don’t like what I have to say, even if my intentions are good.
My sister was a journaling woman. When she was killed in a terrible accident (far too young), she left behind journals. These have become a precious commodity in our family and now belong to her children. Many of the one’s I read were quote-based. Her favorite quotes, things that reminded her of her family, stuff like that, all harmless, and generally sweet. Nothing that I know of, that has hurt any of us left behind.
A few weeks ago, I was on a road trip with my niece, and we stopped at a little store where local artisans contribute and sell their work. My niece pointed out some handmade journals, and one caught my eye immediately. This, I thought, is creative. I loved the colors, the mixed bag of pages and pockets, and bits and bobbles. I thought, what if this is what I need to get me started? Something inspiring to look at. Something that bursts with creativity right from the start. I bought it.
And so began my art journaling experience. I thought about my sister’s journals, and I decided there is nothing to stop me from only writing the good things down. I dubbed it, “The Book of Joyful Things,” and it truly brings me joy.
I create a page or two a day, using all kinds of scraps, stickers, pens, ribbons, and papers. There is something soothing about ending my day focusing on the most positive points of the past 24 hours. There is also something incredibly addicting to actually getting down and dirty with my crafty / artistic side and spending an hour or so on this project.
It’s almost meditative, and it clears my head from my work day, something I need since I work from home. I need to focus on balancing my work and home life, and this is a Godsend.
I encourage you to try it out. It’s a relatively low-cost activity. You can start with just the scraps you have around the house, some glue, pens, and a notebook. Dive-in to your psyche and create something that is all your own. Something that will never be judged by anyone else. Something that brings you joy and happiness.
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