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These were all spontaneous ideas."
Please push
pause button on your mental control panel for a few seconds and visit this phrase once again: "spontaneous."
I would encourage you to be spontaneous as you journal. Spontaneity and creativity are soul mates.
Are you "in" to pictures? Add a photo to pages of your journal. After all, a journal is an expression of your life.
That is only one example. I'm sure you will discover many additional avenues to explore as you express *your* life, in *your* way, in *your* journal.
RECORD YOUR INSIGHTS
A journal can be a place to collect various types of wisdom.
One day I recorded this observation:
"People Insights...
Transparency goes a long way in 'connecting' with people.
For instance, today in my class I shared about dealing with temptations. I'm sure that my openness and transparency assisted me in having students be open to what I was sharing."
FOLLOW YOUR DESIRES
By "follow your desires" I mean do what you feel like doing.
As an example, I enjoy creating quotes. The ones below were crafted as a part of my journaling process. I was "in mood." Remember, spontaneity and creativity are soul mates.
GRACIOUSNESS ŠLee Wise 2003
The blend of kindness, honor, humility and respect I choose to reflect to people I touch in my everyday world.
HEARTACHE ŠLee Wise 2003
The opportunity God gives me to seek His face and quietly trust Him with deepest needs of my soul.
TRACK YOUR EXPERIENCES
While going through some hard times, I recorded my feelings about times we call "hard."
I penned these reflections...
"Expect and accept your emotional ups and downs. You may find your emotional pendulum swinging in wide range of directions, for instance. In my way of thinking, it's gotta happen!'
Don't expect or demand everything to make sense. It doesn't.
I think there is a measure of acceptance about life that is required of all of us sooner or later.
I'm not talking about an acceptance that turns a blind eye to injustices, inequities, or pains associated with our journey on earth: an acceptance that does nothing.
I am, however, speaking of accepting best we can to tensions in life. The tensions we face as we find ourselves located at various places along sliding scales that run somewhere between good and evil, pain and pleasure, in our own life experiences.
For me, as a Christian, I can say 'I don't have to know why. It's enough for me to trust God and walk through this with Him.'
Return to whatever brings you stability and comfort.
This could be any number of practices or people that have helped you during difficult days of your past.
If walking, journaling, resting, praying, talking to a trusted friend, or listening to music helps you, then take a walk, write in your journal, take an extra nap, pray, talk to a friend or listen to music!
The point: do whatever you need to do for your own comfort and stability."
RECORD IMPRESSIONS
As I was intently viewing a television program, I wrote:
"I'm watching Hallmark special, and again I'm reminded of love, strength and fortitude of moms. Amazing."
Impressions recorded in church one day went like this:
"Today's choices become tomorrow's legacy.'
The choices you make today will, over time, become your personal legacy."
"Creativity communicates. It can... Inspire to action, Challenge mind, And touch heart."
RECORD LIFE INSIGHTS
I will share two examples from my journal:
"Leadership insight: keeping people informed every step of way during change is needed."
"Each role we have in life has its unique set of demands and fresh opportunities for growth and renewal. We are in an on-going process of "becoming." The question we must face is: 'Who?'"
ASK YOURSELF IMPORTANT QUESTIONS
After reading a section of a book, I noted:
If I looked at a primary role in my life to be one of a listener and learner...
What would that mean for me?
How would I change?
What wisdom would I collect?
Who would I contact?
How would it affect my 'time' with God?
ON TO THE ADVANTAGES
One day I decided to record a few -- just a few mind you -- of advantages of journaling.
I have chosen to limit my comments concerning advantages of journal keeping to that singular day.
Why?
For two reasons:
1. The purpose of this article is to encourage you in art of journaling and give you a few "how to" ideas along way.
2. Not enough space. It is a lengthy article as it is!
My reflections went something like this:
"The advantages of keeping a journal...
It helps you remember.
This is only my 10th day of starting to journal, and in reading over some of thoughts I've written I realize they aren't as "fresh."
It is a good place to quickly store ideas.
Good ideas. Ideas that can make a difference in your life.
You can begin projects in your journal.
Kind of like an on-going file folder for a 'someday project.' Like writing an article on journaling, maybe LOL!
You can record suggestions or advice you give to others.
An example: I recorded in my journal questions and thoughts to share with a couple about whether or not they should stay in their present ministry or seek another place to serve Lord."
WOW... THAT WAS LONG!
Long or no, I hope that somewhere in these 2000 or so words you have been motivated, inspired, encouraged or challenged in one way or another.
And I congratulate you for making to end of this commentary!
Yours for a day filled with beautiful moments in time,
Lee
P.S. The forum I referred to where I took part in "21 Day Challenge" is Total Life Success. If you decide to stop on by, be sure to say "Hi" to Mark from Lee! Here's link --> http://success-forum.com
------------------------------- Lee is a seminary administrator, has a part-time business at home, and writes two motivational ezines: "A Beautiful Moment In Time" and "Hope For Daily Living." Permission is given to distribute article. This paragraph must be included. Email: Lee@seariches.net Link: http://www.retirequickly.com/89863
Lee is a Seminary Administrator, has a part-time home business, and enjoys writing two family friendly ezines that are motivational in nature.
