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Journaling

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

Got a case of the blues, anxiety, stress, blocked? Journaling may be able to help with that. Sometimes, when we need to just get our feelings out, a journal can be our best friend. One of the best parts of the Artist’s Way classes was the morning pages. Every morning you would set aside a specific period of time and free flow your thoughts. When I started mine, it was barely legible. As I got more and more into writing, I found my handwriting improved. My analysis of this was that:

  1. I had a lot of stress, blues, angst…I needed to release.
  2. As I started seeing more and more of the value of the words, I wanted to be able to read what I wrote.
  3. It was journaling with my morning pages that helped me to make some very important, life changing decisions.

If you are interested in getting to know yourself, creatively and otherwise, I suggest The Artist’s Way book and/or classes. I attended the class locally and do not regret doing so.

At least, try taking a few minutes to freely write in the morning. You will need certain tools, unless unable to do so, you will need a notebook and pen, preferably. Otherwise, just use the notepad or notes function on your computer. Remember, these are your private writings, not something to worry about sharing.

Free writing is just that. Write freely the first thoughts that come to mind. It doesn’t matter how silly they sound. You are the only one reading them, so let the words flow. When you go back and read these words, you may find out that you have some ideas that you truly want to work on or flesh out.

If you have worries about someone snooping in your business you could do this in a private online journal. Just make sure it is private from everybody.

So, there you have it. I wrote this post freely with no editor. I hope it resonates with you and that you find that journaling leads a great path for self awareness and possibly prompts further exploration.

What about you? Do you already journal? What benefits has it brought you?

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Water

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

We grew up with a real appreciation of the benefits of water. It was the main drink at meals and between meals, as well. Granted, we had some soda use, but it was pretty much limited. In the summer we sometimes had iced tea with meals, but it was still water that was the mainstay. To this day, I can honestly say, nothing quenches my thirst like water.

When mom would go somewhere in the car, she would bring a jug of water and cups. This is something I came to appreciate and depend on. At first, I thought maybe it was not needed, but it never failed that I was asking for water from mom. Mom set the example at home by always having a glass of iced water for herself. I used to drink out of her glass and she would fuss, but I told her that her iced water was better than what I could fix. It’s a good thing she had a great sense of humor. Nowadays, it is rare that I would leave the house without water. I am grateful for my mom’s example.

My Post (40)

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Mama Tiger

Lisa Tomey-Zonneveld

mamatigerxo

When I was a baby, I was given a mama tiger and three cubs. My father gave them to me when I was about one year old. He had been in Germany, stationed there in the military. We had all moved there when I was one and it had been much of the prior year since our father was with us. All the years up into my teen years, the mama tiger made center stage on my bed, after it was made each morning. The cubs, over the years, got lost or destroyed from play. When hurricane Floyd hit I was worried that the tiger had been ruined. Our house was flooded and I was not sure that mama tiger was not underwater. Fortunately, I had the foresight to make certain that sentimental items were stacked up high and on shelves in the closet or on top of the bookshelves. My tiger was safe. To this day, I have mama tiger. The cubs are long gone, except one headless one, but I have this treasure. There are many things that I have lost from storms and life changes, but that mama tiger has helped me feel solid in life, no matter what.

 

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