Journaling - The Write Stuff For You?

"I find it hard to write without writing to someone. "

That's a much-respected writer's technique: have someone in mind when you sit down to write. The someone needn't be a real someone (although that often helps), but visualizing your reader can help to focus and propel your writing. So often in my writers' critique group, I'll hear someone ask the writer whose work is being critiqued, "Who's your audience?" The writer's work will seem unfocused, scattershot, all over the place. You needn't reveal whom you had in mind when you wrote, but having had someone in mind––real or imagined––will most often give your words direction and purpose.

@peanutbutterhair I do keep track of daily activities, dr appointments, medical deliveries, etc. in a calendar book. There is an expanded version that sits on my desk, and a purse size that is with me in [ta-da!] my purse. I do daily dialysis, so there is log book that records my vitals each day, plus another daily logbook for dialysis information. Yeah, guess I may be a bit OCD about getting things down on paper, but it creates a great historical reckoning.
Ginger

As I read the posts in this great discussion on journaling, I'm impressed with the way we all use different forms of journaling. Some of write copious amounts of words reflecting our feelings. Others use art, drawing, or tangible items to remind us of our day's experiences. One of Connect's members, Harriet Hodgson, has written a book titled "Grief Doodling." While written for children, I think the idea of doodling might be a great idea to add to our "tool kit" of journaling, especially about grief for kids and adults alike.

Here, from her website, is some information about this book and the idea of doodling about your grief.

Grief Doodling: Bringing Back Your Smiles

"First of all, I’m a retired Licensed Professional Counselor. I’ve spent 32
years helping others after loss (death, trauma, circumstances).
I absolutely love this book. It is often hard to put your feelings and/or
thoughts into words . . . especially when strangled by strong feelings, memories.
This book takes away that requirement while allowing inner healing. I always add
“doodling and written thoughts”. Sometimes words are the best expression or the
need to spill our hearts. Perfect for all ages.

I have bought a copy for each of my closest family members/friends. (10).
Inside the front cover, I’ve written a memory of our time together and a short
message. These will be given to them on my Celebration Day after I pass."

Has anyone used "doodling" in their journals? If so, please share how it has helped you.

I started journaling& doodling about 7 yrs ago and have gone through numerous variations of journaling since. I've done travel journals, daily journals, art journals, mixed media journals, junk journals, journals with themes, etc. The media I use is watercolor, buttons, brads, fabric, watercolor paper, cardstock, envelopes, rice paper, magazines, washi tape, ribbon, twine, stickers, scraps, stamps, die cuts, embossing, inks, etc. I have made them for myself and gifted to others. This holiday season I made about 2 dozen mini-journals and gave them as small holiday gifts...what fun! Generally I work on 2-3 projects at a time. Right now I am working on 3 art journals - a daily art journal, a faith journal, and I've prepared a travel journal (going on a cruise to the South Pacific next week). I spend roughly 2-3 hrs a day having so much fun ding this. It's fulfilling, thought-provoking, calming, quite a brain-teaser at times, and just fun! I never know what I will be creating in my project(s) each day.

Hi @cathypeirson

I so appreciate you sharing pictures of your artwork and all of your journaling ideas. They are just great! I find it very interesting that you have different journals for different purposes. What a great idea. You've provided me with some new journaling ideas.

You said that you've been journaling and doodling for about seven years in one form or another. Do you have a favorite journaling form?

I’ve had many favorites but like learning new techniques and designs. Keeps my work fresh. I get a lot of ideas on Pinterest and YouTube. Search for Treasure Books on YouTube.

Hello to all

Just updating this group with my morning anxiety…last night was a wake up screaming night…my wife woke me and asked me to turn on my side, that I was screaming no!!, help!!….we had just got back from Ft Belvoir Hospital that afternoon where I had liquid nitrogen sprayed on my flat skin surfaces that needed attention..and they’re watching a lump (small) on my forehead area next to the area where I had a Mohs procedure a few years ago..hopefully it may just be an oil gland, but doctor wants me back in 2 months for another sized picture .. I don’t want another hole in my forehead … there’s no end to this skin cancer…but these things add to one’s overall anxiety and it’s getting rather unnerving…I just finished a couple of weeks ago learning the hard way that a psychiatrist is not a therapist…which is what I need for this morning CAR anxiety…or something…I get some great relief or something it makes me feel better when I commune with my neighbor Larry about his wound change and his wound vac situation which has been going on for months.. I share and tell him it’s going to get better…I believe it will…as for my morning anxiety and worry in general, it’s just something I have to deal with…I wish I had half the courage of my wife or some of the mentors and members on this wonderful forum and discussion group…have a good day and night to all
🙏 pvctom

@pvctom2021 Having a way to vent is a good thing. We each have a chance to develop what will work for us, and modify that as the need arises. Getting out to exercise in fresh morning air, or journaling, or chatting with the neighbor about his struggles, will help deflect the feelings we might be having ourselves, and can help us a lot!

Like you, I have a pretty pronounced "hole" scar in the middle of my forehead from a skin cancer over 20 years ago. At the time I was still working full-time, and told people they removed my third eye LOL! Since then I have only half an eyebrow due to another surgery, and recently had MOHS on my nose. Skin cancer seems to be so frequent for me. I have a cool looking jagged lightning scar near my throat and collarbone from MOHS surgery 4 years ago.

You have more courage than you give yourself credit for. You have shared with us your struggles, and that indeed takes a lot of bravery. I have no doubt you have helped others in their journey!
Ginger

@gingerw

Thank you 🙏 for that wonderful reply and your kind words…your advice and others here have helped me feel better 💐 much better ❤️‍🩹…I guess I have a Mohs comrade now LOL 😂

Thank you so much for sharing your artful journals! Not only are they beautiful, but they express your feelings, values and creativity! It really makes me want to take the time to journal! Perhaps it could help me relax, explore feelings, and transcend angst. I have some health problems & need to make big decisions about retirement. I am an 72 year old art education professor who loves my work. The non-art major students I teach create class journals. They love them!