What do you do with your blank pages? Do you doodle all over them so they are no longer blank? Do you write really big to take up more space? Do you add lists or pictures so you don’t have as many?
Why are we so scared of blank pages?
Here is my theory…blank pages represent the unknown. The ideas or dreams or thoughts that we are afraid of. Yep, everything comes back to fear!! But why? And how do we embrace those blank pages. Even for writes, blank pages can be full of anxiety…did I write enough words today? Why do I have more blank pages than completed pages? When will this book finally be written?
I look at blank pages as an opportunity to live in the now. Be present. We talk a lot about being more present in our lives with our families and loved ones. Now it’s time to practice what we preach and be present for ourselves.
I journal each and every day. Sometimes 2-3 times a day if you can believe that. I have found that once you are comfortable with the concept of journaling, it can work towards relieving stress and anxiety and also give us clarity and insight into ourselves. The process of opening to a blank page in a book is very therapeutic for me and many others like me.
So how in the world do you start this therapeutic process of journaling and why would you want to? Well it’s very easy and only takes a few minutes out of your day. I start each day with a tall glass of water and my journal. I spend time meditating on what I am grateful for and then write it out. My entry starts like this… “Today I am grateful for_________________.” As I am writing out these words I am meditating on all the things I am grateful for. After writhing these out, I then just begin a stream of consciousness writing. This is a practice that Julia Cameron refers to in her book “The Artist’s Way” that is simply writing all the things that pop into your head without editing or proof reading or making corrections. For me this usually starts out with what I want my day to look like and then turns into me asking a question that has been troubling me. Through journaling I am able to answer it myself or give it some clarity because after I write out the question, I am still writing all the things that come into my mind about the question. I have surprised myself on more than one occasion with ah-ha moments!!
There have been a few mornings where life has gotten in the way and I didn’t make time to sit down and do this first thing in the morning. Man did I realize it throughout my day! It was during these times that I realized how important this process really is. Now I almost always schedule it into my day so that I am starting my day with a clear head and clear goals.
Goals…another reason to journal daily! How often do you just write down some goals and then never go back to really give them any thought? More often than you would care to admit I’m sure!! Writing down your goals and then writing about them every day is a great way to keep your vision top of mind AND continue to work towards them.
There are so many great reasons to journal! We will explore many of those during the next few months right here. My latest project, The Lollipop Tree by in·ten·tion·al·i·ty launches this Thursday for VIP Members. I’m so excited to introduce this one-of-a-kind subscription box to the world! This guided journal experience offers inspiration, clarity and mindfulness for day to day life. I can’t wait to share all my journal experiences and help you get in touch with your pen and paper and begin the process for yourself.
If you would like to receive the emails and get insider information on The Lollipop Tree by in·ten·tion·al·i·ty follow the link here. We would love to share this amazing opportunity with you!! https://mailchi.mp/5abc…/the-lollipop-tree-by-intentionality
-Teri
Teri Brauer 