At least, that’s what I said anytime it came up. I had so many notebooks at home. All of them were beautiful. Many of them were gifts. Writers write. I should write in them….but I couldn’t.

Oh. That one is too pretty to write in. What do I even have to say? But the biggest question: what is the point of a journal? Why should I?

I could name so many reasons not to. I don’t have the time, I’m a busy mom of five. There’s no reason to. I don’t have anything to say. I repeated this to myself anytime I even thought about it- but especially when I was in the store looking at beautiful journals that were just singing like sirens to me. If you’re here, reading this, you probably relate to this crisis. Like Bilbo Baggins, unwilling to leave the Shire- there’s some fear holding you back and it’s likely one of the ones I listed above.

You’ve seen the beautiful planner and journal spreads on Instagram and Pinterest. This alone is both inspiring and anxiety inducing for a novice journaler.

“That’s great”, you say. “But what’s the cure?”

I’m so glad you asked! The cure is having a reason to do it. When I went from skeptic to journaler, I had just started “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. If you’re a creative that already spends time in the creative spaces online- chances are you’ve heard of this text. Perhaps you’ve even inwardly cringed. The morning pages. The dreaded stream of consciousness that you must write for three pages upon waking. I know. I know.

BUT

This is where everything changed for me. You’re probably rolling your eyes. “Everyone says that. I tried it and it wasn’t for me.”

Guess what? It wasn’t for me either! Consistently writing as soon as I wake up? My children awake very early and their needs are so varied. I am also a school teacher. That system just didn’t work. However, the stream of consciousness writing, absolutely worked for me. But first thing in the morning? Couldn’t be done.

“Well? Then what’s your point?”

Let me tell you how I stopped worrying and learned to love a blank page.

1. Have a reason.
2. Turn it into play.
3. Ritualize journalling time as sacred.
4. Commit for at least three days.
5. Remember what Bob Ross says about mistakes.

You are most likely going to be stuck on step number one. If you’re a person that has vague goals and dreams- but you feel like you’re stuck on a hamster wheel, I can tell you with absolute certainty that journalling is for you. Journaling is a wonderful way to gain crystal clear insight into what you actually want and how to attain it. You don’t have to face blank pages alone. We will jump in together! 🖤

XOXO

Winter