I was out today (BY MYSELF) Yes, you read it correctly...I had about 2 hours to myself and it felt wonderful. So, as I was aimlessly perusing the aisle of a store I stumbled upon journals. Some were just plain ordinary notepads and then others were beautiful leather bound journals....some with a picture on the front, some with inscriptions...some were really lovely. I found one I really loved. I picked it up, looked it over and unfortunately put it back down. Why on earth did I do that? As I sit here I am regretting that decision. I think I am actually going to go back this week, maybe even tomorrow and see if it is still there. I used to love to journal. I always kept one when I was younger and it was a nice hobby for me. As well as an awesome creative outlet. My seven year old enjoys writing and has a diary. In fact her second one...she has already filled up one. I'm so glad she enjoys it and I hope it becomes a lifelong hobby for her.
I especially remember when I was in high school and college that I would write and sometimes that journal felt like it was my best friend. All my top secrets and intimate thoughts were down on that paper. Then there is the issue of hoping and praying that no one finds it or at least the people that you don't want to find it =) I read my first diary from when I was about 6 years old and it absolutely cracks me up. I wrote about all sorts of topics. It's funny what we think is SO important when we are six!
I've kept many different types of journals through the years. During each pregnancy I kept a journal starting the day we found out we were pregnant. I wrote about the feelings my husband and I had, about doctors appointments etc. I look forward to the day that I can share these with my daughters and they can truly appreciate them. I journaled for my girls after my parents passed away. It was important to me to try and capture as many memories as I could. I didn't want to forget anything. It was especially meaningful because I felt like if I didn't have it down I may let it slip from my memory. Journaling can be so therapeutic. It really helped me deal with my grief and to release my feelings. Some days were very emotional and other days were joyful. Looking back I am so glad I took the time to capture my feelings. My girls are still too young to fully understand everything with losing my parents. At least now when I remember something I can open the journal and write it down. When they are older and the time is right, I will share it with them.
Do you journal? Do you have a way to gather all your thoughts? Do you keep it on paper? Do you use technology to journal? Now a days we can even journal on our smart phones. I use an app called I Catch and I Journal. They are both super easy and a great way to jot down thoughts when on the run.
Well, if you haven't already tried journaling I highly recommend it. I hope you go and find one that makes you so happy. Find the one that you think is absolutely beautiful and make it your own. I will make the trip back to the store this week and buy that journal...I can't wait =)
"Listen dear journal, I will tell you what I will tell no one else." ~ Ella Gertrude Clanton