Writing, writing, writing some more

This morning I woke up and decided that I would finally take the time to organize my most recent journal. I realize that so many bloggers do that "art journalism" thing which seems pretty cool but is definitely not my style. For some reason I am very adamant about keeping my doodles separate from my words. Words have such a powerful meaning to me and when i read my old entries I don't want to be distracted by doodles. That's what my sketchbook is for! Maybe someday I'll give an art journal a try but for now I'm content with letting my words have the spotlight :).

As I was reading through some old entries I came across one that I wanted to share. When I journal, I'll write on whatever is within reach and eventually will glue it into a notebook or something of the sort so that it won't get lost in the shuffle of life. I have a lot of printed conversations, thoughts, and questions that needed to find their place within my handwritten sentiments. I save EVERYTHING. When I say that, I mean everything. Facebook conversations, texts, napkins with notes written on them, etc. When people write me cards, I photocopy the card I write back to them, specify dates, times, and names in the margins and staple it to the original card so that I can look back one day and read complete conversations. I love the idea of keeping such a detailed account of my life. One day I think it'd be really cool for my kids to read it and see how I became the person I am. Back to the subject at hand though! About two years ago my dad gave me this list of things that he wanted to do every day. I'm pretty sure he found it somewhere online but it's so inspirational. I try to live by little things like this. Here goes...

Take a 10 to 30 minute walk every day and while you walk, smile.

Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

When you wake up in the morning, complete the following statement, "My purpose is .... today"

Live witht he three "E's", energy, enthusiasm, and empathy and the three "F's", faith, family, and friends.

Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.

Dream more while you are awake

Try to make at least three people smile every day

Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn, pass all your tests. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but lessons you learn will last a lifetime

Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

Don't take yourself so seriously. No one does.

You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Make peace with your past so it won't mess up the present.

Don't compare your life with others, you have no idea what their journey is about.

Burn the candles, use the nice sheets. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

Forgive everyone for everything.

What other people think of you is none of your business.

Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.

However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will stay in touch.

Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful, or joyful.

The best is yet to come.

No matter how you feel, get up, get dressed, and show up.

Do the right thing.

Call your family often.

Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: "I am thankful for..." and "today I accomplished..."

Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disneyland and you certainly don't want a fast pass. Make the most of it and enjoy the ride


I hope that those are as inpirational to you have they have been to me :). Do any of you keep journals? If so, how do do it? How much do you document? I'd love to hear from you!

xoxo
Malori