Journaling – Does it work for you?

Much as I try to journal my thoughts or experiences, I just can’t seem to be consistent with it. The only time I was able to do it on a regular basis was when I was in counseling during a particularly difficult time in my life. My counselor/pastor used it as a way to get me to identify and verbalize my feelings and thoughts. I was so used to hiding and putting them away, that I had lost the ability to even think. Journaling enabled me to rediscover who I had shut away.

Currently, journaling for me seems to be tied to a form of self-therapy instead of what many people use it for, as a way to chronicle experiences and thoughts, which may still be tied somewhat to self therapy, but maybe not as much. I have a deep respect for those who make this a daily or regular practice. Much as I try to make it part of my writing life, it just always seems to get pushed aside for a story. I guess that is why I don’t do it except when I’m in duress.

As I reflect on various occurrences in my life or with my family, it would be fantastic to have something in writing, instead of trying to rely on my memories which are often faulty. Journaling would give a record of sorts to at least the special things that happen, such as the birth of my daughters or my grandson. Descriptions of people, emotions, the environment and more can lend special texture to the experience that fades over time like an old photograph.

So, if you are one of the amazing people who journal, know that I for one am deeply in awe of you. You create a special record of thoughts and events which are important. Maybe, not on the scale of Anne Frank, but who knows? Even she had no clue how important her journaling would be. The right events can lead to something special in writing. Regardless, keep up the good work. You are writing history, even if it is just your own.

I Did It!

“A person who doubts himself is like a man who would enlist in the ranks of his enemies and bear arms against himself. He makes his failure certain by himself being the first to be convinced of it.” – Alexandre Dumas

Have you ever felt like you couldn’t do something? Has someone ever told you that you weren’t good enough? Unfortunately, most of us have had this happen. However, a positive way to treat these experiences is to use them to your favor. Use them to inspire you to achieve what you or someone else thought you couldn’t do.

If you have read my blog before, you may have seen me talk about National Novel Writing Month or NaNoWriMo, which takes place every November. Once again, I participated wondering if I had enough of a story to complete the 50K words required to “win”. I surpassed even my wildest expectations by attaining that goal by November 14th and actually completed the novel on the 21st. Now, let’s clarify, this is a first draft, which means it is full of flaws and problems which need editing. But, that’s what writing a first draft is for. It is the time you run pell mell down this unknown path and wonder where it is going to take you. If you just go for it, it is full of surprises and twists and turns you never expected. For me, writing the first draft like this makes it far more fun and exciting.

Before participating in NaNoWriMo, I used to write in a slow, formatted form, carefully weighing out each word so that by the end of the story, I would have very little editing to do. I discovered in writing this way, that I was inhibiting my stories. They were also short and unfulfilling because they never had the opportunity to spread their wings and fly.

By turning off my internal editor while writing the first draft, I discovered a whole new joy to writing. I find new words and phrases and unexpected adventures I had never allowed to happen before. It made writing freer and less stilted. My characters and plots develop and mature.

An example of this was at a point about three-fourths thru the novel when the story made a surprising turn where one of the main supporting characters died through injuries sustained in the previous battle scene. I had gotten to know my characters so well, that I was sobbing as hard as I was typing. Tears were just flowing down my cheeks. My husband was watching football in the chair next to me, just smiling and shaking his head and occasionally handing me a tissue.

It wasn’t all that long ago where I thought there was no possible way I would ever complete a novel, let alone write one in three weeks while working full time at another job. Yet, I have, and did so by putting one word down after another and before I knew it, I was done.

Don’t let self doubt or the doubts of others stop you from doing something you want to do, whether it be writing, playing music, climbing a mountain, or any number of wonderful endeavors. You only have this one life. Make it a good one and don’t let it pass you by without giving some of these opportunities a chance. Just go for it. What have you got to lose?

Find Your Magic

I am a big Harry Potter fan. The books and movies are great entertainment for any age, and obviously I’m not the only one to think so. One of the things I have noticed is how the creative energies of not just J.K. Rowling, who wrote the books, but the creativity of the people who made the movies, connect for so many people. I re-read the books this last winter to see how closely the movies reflected the books. Now, I know movie-makers condense and edit the books into a working screenplay. What was interesting to me is how many changes they made that actually enhanced both the movie and the book. There were some changes I felt worked better in the movie than in the book, and conversely, things that should not have been left out of the movies.

What struck me as I worked my way through them is how we creatively look at things differently. I’ve mentioned before how important it is for us to explore our own personal creative genius and let it shine. The world may miss what we have to share that can make a difference. After all, there is magic in all of us!

Have you found your magic?

The Journey Is Worth It!

“It’s the journey that’s most important, not the end.” – Chuck Jones, animator and director.

I was channel surfing, last night, and came across the tail-end of a biography on Chuck Jones, the famous animator for Silly Symphonies, Merrie Melodies, and Looney Tunes. I have always been a HUGE fan of these cartoons, and yes, collect them whenever possible. Throughout the segment I caught, he talked about how he would not change the importance of having goals and the journey to attain them. It was not about getting the Academy Awards that he received, though those were great perks and encouragements, but the creative journey that took him there. What wonderful characters and cartoons he participated in creating – Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Yosemite Sam, & Porky Pig, to name a few. Generations have loved and continue to love his work, much like Walt Disney and the legacy that this creative man has left the world or any of the other men and women who followed their passions and creative desires.

If we don’t share our creativity, then the world will miss out on what we have to offer. If these men had not followed their dreams, took the risks, and worked to improve their craft, we would be missing out on their gifts. They didn’t know starting out they would attain the heights they did, but they knew they had to try.

You may not think you have a gift, but if you don’t try, how do you know? If you don’t practice or seek to improve, what might the world be missing out on? I may not be the next J.K. Rowling, but I’m sure going to try. Besides, it’s the journey that counts, and I love a good adventure!

Enjoy your day!