Journals: Writing For Yourself

Recently, I've noticed more and more people are eager to write and stay creative. There are loads of different ways to do this. Collages, drawing, DIY, craft...

One of the best ways - I've found - is keeping a journal. Be it a fashion, music, or personal journal, the key is to write for yourself.

Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started and keep your journal going:

Stationery - This one is pretty important. If you like what you're working with it will keep you motivated. Take the time to dig out the essentials from your hefty stash or head to the shops and find a brand spanking new one. If you're a little unsure, play it safe. A pen/pencil and notebook will go far and are all you need if you're just starting out!

Ignore the 'be cool' thought - Admittedly, this can be tricky! When I first took to writing for myself I was still stuck in the mindset of leaving things out that I thought sounded silly. That mindset in itself was silly! If you want to let out your (only slightly) lame side, go right ahead! This is for you, remember!

Make the time - Just like with anything new it's easy to feel you can't fit it in to your already hectic life. Keeping a journal can make a positive impact in the long run - it helps with your own growth, linking feelings to behaviour and keeps memories in tact. They're fantastic to look back on and see progress in yourself and your writing. 

In short, setting aside half an hour a few times a week can make a real difference!

Helpful distractions - Sometimes silence isn't so golden - it can be a little off putting. Background noise can help your writing flow greatly. Tv, music, or a film have all been known to spark inspiration. Below are links to some of my favourite music to write to:

• Majestic Casual
• Shlohmo
• Otis Redding - anything swing/jazz/soulful is a winner!

Stay interested - It's easy for keeping a journal to feel like a chore. You can jazz it up by collecting bits and bobs. Receipts, postcards, petals, notes and pictures will make brilliant accompaniments to your writing! 

These are just the basics. As you get further in to writing there are a multitude of doors wide open with opportunities!

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This Week #2

Monday was a pretty busy day, I worked over the Bank Holiday and then saw The Amazing Spiderman 2 in the evening. Surprisingly, it was one of the better sequels I've been to see. The narrative kept me interested and it ended with the promise of a third movie - let's hope that doesn't disappoint!

Also, I've been getting organised for my weekend away next week. Mainly this involved an unnecessary amount of list making - who really needs to make a list of the lists they need to make? Honestly, the most exciting part has probably been stocking up on travel minis. There's something endearing about tiny tubes of toothpaste!

The end of the week has been crazy! The BBC Good Food Show came to Harrogate from Friday to Sunday. My oh my work has been incredibly busy - I even spotted John Whaite, who won the third series of The Great British Bake Off.

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Physically, I've taken a bit of a knocking this week. The curse of the extreme cold/flu was thrust upon me and I've definitely been feeling pretty weak and gross.
Hopefully I'll be fully recovered in time for my trip next weekend!

This week's teaching: "Bodies require: food, rest, attention, patience."

❊

Madre

Carol was fire the circulating in your veins. Fury, passion and pure intentions. She was a breath of fresh air - accepted, protected. 

A soft side graced her too. Lonely nights and time spent staring out windows. She was everything and anything. She was dusk and dawn.

Enough laughter lines graced her face to hide the tired ones. Soft and gentle. She was an earthquake, unsettling and cleansing. 

She hid in the middle of the spectrum, introvert and extrovert. Black and white. Absent and present.

A dove in a world of crows.

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