Thursday, December 30, 2010

For Keeps

With the start of a new year often come changes.

Some changes we can control and live with for the most part.

Other changes seem to come at us from nowhere, leaving us feeling perplexed and sometimes even victimized. Those are the kind of changes we would rather do without.

As the Serenity prayer reminds us, if we can except the things we cannot change, and have the courage to change the things we can, we can ask for the wisdom to know the difference.

Changing the things we can. Those are the changes we want to make, ones we know we should incorporate into our lives to bring good and positive energy, helping us in our journey onward, giving us purpose and meaning.

Those are the changes that can be 'for keeps'.

Perhaps you already have a few of those because you either already made the change in the past or these positives in your life have always been a part of who you are.

Keeping a journal. Yes, this one has been at the top of my 'for keeps' list for over twenty years, and for good reason. It simply works! The longer I spend my minutes keeping journal entries for each day, the better I get to know myself, become more aware of my intuition, and learning to say no when necessary. It also gives me a place to express my emotions in a safe context, just for me, which gives me what I consider important validation.

Keeping a positive mindset. Knowing where you start is key to this one. If you can find a proper center, a good grounding place, then you'll have a good launching pad for your day and even for your life. Knowing your purpose each day and following the values that are important to you is a great motivator for getting up in the morning!

Keeping an exercise regiment. I don't necessarily mean the same old thing. Try something you ENJOY doing to keep your body moving. Take a walk or a hike. Go swimming or biking. Enjoy some meditative yoga or play a Wii game. Just stay active and do something you know you want to do so you'll make it a part of your routine.

Keeping a peaceful environment. That means, get the clutter out! Do whatever it takes to get organized; let go of things you don't need that are taking up priceless space. Free up the energy in your space. Ultimately it will help free your mind.

Keeping a hobby. Do something that feeds your creative spirit, whether it's collecting things that bring back good memories, painting, drawing, crafting, art journaling, scrapbooking, bird watching, or whatever keeps your interest. Perhaps something you used to do as a child. Feed your soul and spirit. Pay attention to the things that bring you joy. And keep them a part of your every day life.

Keeping relationships vibrant. Spend time with those you love. Watch a movie together. Chat in the car. Hugs and kisses are wonderful ways to show your love to those you care about. Text with your friends and family. Stay in touch. Even write letters, if that's your preference. Spend time with others who make you laugh. And if you have a significant other, spend time with them, listening to what is on their heart. Don't take relationships for granted. Give them the time they deserve. It will be one less regret to have!

Keeping a spiritual connection. To me, this is one of the more important aspects to life. The Light and Life of the Creator is essential and will give what other people or things cannot. Whether it's through prayer/meditation, reading spiritual texts, or spending time in nature, whatever works for you, make time for it. Every day.

Yes, changes may come. But some changes, the ones we can purposefully bring to our lives that can make all the difference...those can be the ones 'for keeps'.

What will you keep for the new year?

© 2010 by Dawn Herring

8 comments:

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

I love the "Serenity Prayer" and have been saying it before I fall asleep for ages....it gives me a sense of calm.

I will be "keeping" myself on track with Weight Watchers this year, my blog, trying to remain focused.

I need to start a regular exercise regime and find time for my husband (during the day which is hard because I still haven't adjusted to his being retired and he is a HUGE distraction in my day! Not a pleasant distraction much of the time either! lol)

Happy, healthy New Year and thanks for the reminders and suggestions!

xoxo

Dawn Herring said...

Thanks, Caren, for sharing your thought on stuff that's for keeps. :) Hope your transition works out well.
A refreshing, focused, and calm
NEW YEAR to YOU!

Be refreshed, Dawn

Renee Taprell said...

Hi Dawn,
I really enjoyed your post on journal writing and keeping a healthy body and mind. I believe journalling is a way to declutter my thoughts and stay focused on my life goals.

Sometimes we think we know what's going on but there's something about putting pen to paper that seems to clarify everything.

Dawn Herring said...

Renee,
I so agree about journal writing bringing clarity--one of the great benefits! Thanks for your comment; so glad you enjoyed the post. :)

Be refreshed,
Dawn

Darrelyn Saloom said...

Dawn, I love this new post. Somehow you always know what I need. I especially like the idea of returning to "something you used to do as a child. Feed your soul and spirit. Pay attention to the things that bring you joy. And keep them a part of your every day life."

So I'm off to climb a tree and sit there and think. So what if the neighbors see a 55-year-old woman out on a limb? I'm in the mood for memories and, as a child, tree climbing never failed to make me feel at peace.

Dawn Herring said...

Darrelyn,
It thrills me that this post resonated with you! May you find the joy you seek! Happy tree climbing! :)

Be refreshed,
Dawn

Together Time 4 Families said...

How refreshing and reinforcing! Thanks, I needed this read to get perspective on the right things to focus on!
Susan

Dawn Herring said...

Susan,
I'm absolutely delighted the post hit the spot for you! Thanks for the terrific feedback. :)

Be refreshed,
Dawn

Popular Posts

Dawn's #JournalChat Favorite (formerly Pick of the Day)

You can now view Dawn's #JournalChat Favorites on my website: http://www.dawnherring.net/journalchat-pick-of-the-day.html

Wednesday's Pick (9/27) Dream Journaling Puts Your Dream Fairy Back to Work for You by Mari McCarthy

Tuesday's Pick (9/24) Journal, Breathe, Dissolve by Cate Baily

Monday's Pick (9/23) How to Keep a Career Journal by Dolly Garland

Wednesday's Pick (9/18) How Journaling Makes Everything Better by Faith Watson

Tuesday's Pick (9/17) The Simple Way to Leave Your Stress at Work by Drake Baer

Monday's Pick (9/16) Why Did You Stop Journaling? by Jennifer Sikora

Wednesday's Pick (9/11) 21 Ways I Use My Notebook by Mike Swickey

Tuesday's Pick (9/10) 5 Reasons Why Journaling is the Ultimate Tool for Self-Development

Monday's Pick (9/9) Allowing Space by Daisy Ann Hickman

Wednesday's Pick (8/28) From Journal to Memoir by Sharon Lippincott

Tuesday's Pick (8/27) The Dark Side of Journaling by Leary Gates

Monday's Pick (8/26) The One Easy Daily Habit That Makes Life More Awesome by Laura Vanderkam

Wednesday's Pick (8/21) "What Should I Write in My Journal?" by Quinn McDonald

Tuesday's Pick (8/20) 7 Tips I Have Learned About Connecting with My Purpose for Writing My Memoir by Kathleen Pooler

Monday's Pick (8/19) Beyond Certainty by Daisy Ann Hickman

Wednesday's Pick (8/14) Making the Mind-Body Connection by Mari McCarthy

Tuesday's Pick (8/13) Writing Prompts that Always Work by Christine Houser

Monday's Pick (8/12) What's Your Story by Debra DiPietro

Wednesday's Pick (8/7) 5 Reasons Journaling is a Life Changing Skill by Dolly Garland

Tuesday's Pick (8/6) A Two Step Journaling Process (for when you're feeling stuck or scared by Jill Winski

Monday's Pick (8/5) Blogging vs. Journaling by Diana Raab

Wednesday's Pick (7/31) Christian Journaling: Will Letters to God Overcome Resistance? by Thomas Freeman

Tuesday's Pick (7/30) Write It, Speak It, Just Try It by Michael Eric Frye

Monday's Pick (7/29) Pen to Paper: Soulful, Loving and Guilt Free Self-Care through Reflective Journaling by Lynda Monk

Wednesday's Pick (7/24) Voices in the City School by Dr. Julie Ann Connor

Tuesday's Pick (7/23) Start a Journaling Practice by Minette Riordan

Monday's Pick (7/22) Journal for Decisions Making by Mari McCarthy

Wednesday's Pick (7/17) Happy Beads by Juliet Platt

Tuesday's Pick (7/16) 360 Degree Journal Writing Tool by John Robson

Monday's Pick (7/15) Journal to the Center of Yourself by Jordan Rosenfeld

Wednesday's Pick (7/10) To Make Better Decisions, Map Them Out by Drake Baer

Tuesday's Pick (7/9) Comfort in Journaling by Susan Wilson

Monday's Pick (7/8) Don't Forget to Check Inside by Jill Winski

Wednesday's Pick (6/26) 5 Steps to Hot Summer Journaling by Mari McCarthy

Tuesday's Pick (6/25) How Art Journaling Saved My Life (and what it can do for you) by Kristal Norton

Monday's Pick (6/24) Journaling Your Way to Personal Growth by Marquita Herald

Wednesday's Pick (6/19) What is the difference between an ordinary and an extraordinary day? by Debra DiPietro

Tuesday's Pick (6/18) Dear Diary: The Importance of Keeping a Journal by Victoria Herrera

Monday's Pick (6/17) Why You Need to Run a Timelog (and How To Do It) by Scott H. Young

Wednesday's Pick (6/12) Coach's Corner: Danielle's Journal by Kim Ades

Tuesday's Pick (6/11) Journaling to the Center: How Writing Encourages Insight and Healing by Douglas Mitchell

Monday's Pick (6/10) Journal Writing: 5 Smart Reasons Why YOU Should Start Doing It TODAY by Ericson Ay Mires

Wednesday's Pick (6/5) Writing for Your Children by Hugh Roberts

Tuesday's Pick (6/4) Art Journal Inspiration: Open Up Your Journal and Play by Tammy Garcia

Monday's Pick (6/3) Journaling Time: Let's Take a Fearless Inventory by Terri Cole

Friday's Pick (5/31) "Dear Journal" - Journaling Insights #2 by Juliet Platt

Wednesday's Pick (5/29) A Question of Privacy by Juliet Platt

Tuesday's Pick (5/28) Transformative Journal Writing by Janine VanderWhitte, LPC

Wednesday's Pick (5/22) Journaling: What I Learned About Tomorrow by Karen Samford

Tuesday's Pick (5/21) DIY Solo Retreat: Portrait of Self by Tina Bradley

Monday's Pick (5/20) Reflections on My Mother’s Circle of Love: A Memoir Moment by Kathleen Pooler


Wednesday's Pick (5/15) Creating the Space for Self-Exploration by Isabelle Rizo

Tuesday's Pick (5/14) Keeping a Journal Can Facilitate Good Writing by Sheila Bender

Monday's Pick (5/13) 10 Things You Should Write in Your Productivity Journal by Craig Jarrow

Friday's Pick (5/10) Write In Your Journal: Defrag Your Brain by Ruth Folit

Wednesday's Pick (5/8) Journaling: The Best Kept Secret for Staying in Shape by Karen Ficarelli


Tuesday's Pick (5/7) Journal Writing: Tweets for the Tweeps by Mari McCarthy

Monday's Pick (5/6) Six-Word Stories, Statements, and Exclamations: A Journaling Exercise by Eleanor Haley


Friday's Pick (5/3) Become an outrageous rock star – or write a journal by Juliet Platt

Tuesday's Pick (4/30) 12 New Ways to Get Your Journal On by Stephanie Seibel

Monday's Pick (4/29) Journaling Your Way to Discovery by Angela Wilkinson

Friday's Pick (4/26) Get More You Into Your Art Journal Pages by Tammy Garcia

Wednesday's Pick (4/24) How to Overcome Creative Blocks by Hannah Braime


Monday's Pick (4/22) Purposeful Pathway Biz Tip: Business Journaling by Caroline Gavin

Friday's Pick (4/19) Perfect Health: Journal Writing Your Way to a Better Body by Mari McCarthy

Wednesday's Pick (4/17) 5x5x5: The Simple Way to Achieve Your Big Hairy Audacious Goals by Hannah Braime


Tuesday's Pick (4/16) "If Only..." 3 Fun Journal Writing Prompts by Mari McCarthy

Monday's Pick (4/15) Inviting Silence by Daisy Ann Hickman

Friday's Pick (4/12) How Journal Writing Pushed Me Beyond My Limits by Joseph Bernard, Ph. D.


Wednesday's Pick (4/10) 4 Ways to Use Journaling to Calm Your Inner Critic by Hannah Braime

Tuesday's Pick (4/9) Kicking Fear to the Curb with Journaling by Jasmine Cianflone

Monday's Pick (4/8) Why Journal Writing is Soul Work by Lynda Monk

Friday's Pick (4/5) Continuous Reinvention=Blossoming Potentials by Tina Bradley

Wednesday's Pick (4/3) Write Into Your Pain by Amber Lea Starfire

Tuesday's Pick (4/2) Self Care Is NOT Selfish Care by Amy Frost

Friday's Pick (3/29) I Am sure of myself by Debra DiPietro

Wednesday's Pick (3/27) Speed Journaling: Get Your Self Unstuck Write Away by Mari McCarthy

Tuesday's Pick (3/26) Journaling for Self-Care: The Healing Power of Writing by Lynda Monk

Monday's Pick (3/25) Emotional Vomit on the Page by Julie Luek

Friday's Pick (3/22) Thursday Q&A // Journaling by Sarah Danaher

Wednesday's Pick (3/20) Which Is Better: Inspiration or Influence? by Cynthia Morris

Tuesday's Pick (3/19) Behavior Modification for the Creative Soul by Quinn McDonald


Friday's Pick (3/15) 3 Tips to Attract Abundance by Bethany Butzer, Ph.d.

Wednesday's Pick (3/13) I AM These Thirteen Things by Debra DiPietro

Tuesday's Pick (3/12) Wings--Art Journal by Norma Gomez

Monday's Pick (3/11) Clarity Heals Suffering by Nathan Ohren

Friday's Pick (3/8) Journaling Techniques: Writing on the Stream of Consciousness by Amber Lea Starfire

Wednesday's Pick (3/6) The Many Health Benefits of Journal Writing by Beth Miller

Tuesday's Pick (3/5) Art Journal Tip: Meditate with a Mandala by Valerie Storey

Monday's Pick (3/4) Feed Yourself Images-It's Good for You by Jill Winski

Friday's Pick (3/1) Tossed Aside by Daisy Ann Hickman

Wednesday's Pick (2/27) How to Use and Create Masks with Mixed Media Collage by Erin Leigh

Tuesday's Pick (2/26) The Doodle as SoulStory by Kristen Radden

Monday's Pick (2/25) How Food Journaling Helped Me Become a More Intuitive Eater by Sean Devenport


Wednesday's Pick (2/20) Taking Action on What You Know by Jill Winski

Tuesday's Pick (2/19) Journal to Find Your Core Self by Mari McCarthy

Monday's Pick (2/18) 10 Journaling Tips to Help You Heal, Grow, and Thrive by Loran Hills

Wednesday's Pick (2/13) Want to Start Journaling? Write One Sentence Per Day by Chamonix Thurston-Rattue

Tuesday's Pick (2/12) The Best Kept Secret in the Business of Ideas! by Kerry Kilpatrick

Monday's Pick (2/11) The Benefits of Keeping a Work Journal by Madeline Stilley

Wednesday's Pick (2/6) Keeping a Cancer Journal: Your Private Healing Journey by Dr. Laurie Nadel

Tuesday's Pick (2/5) Journal to Memoir: Planting Seeds for Story by Kathleen Pooler

Friday's Pick (2/1) Write Your Way to Change in the New Year by Debra Marrs

Wednesday's Pick (1/30) 10 Famous Authors on the Importance of Keeping a Journal by Emily Temple

Monday's Pick (1/28) What Are You Committed To? by Debra DiPietro

Friday's Pick (1/25) What to Write in Your Fancy Schmancy Journal by Ian Duncan

Wednesday's Pick (1/23) How to Restart Your Journaling Habit by Nathan Ohren

Tuesday's Pick (1/22) Art Journaling: Eyes Like Rudolph's Nose by Julie Kirk

Monday's Pick (1/21) Keeping a Writer's Journal by Dolly Garland

Friday's Pick (1/18) Three Fun Journaling Techniques to Open Your Heart after Brain Injury by Barbara Stahura

Wednesday's Pick (1/16) Uniquely You by Rachel Thomasian


Monday's Pick (1/14) What Should I Write In My Journal by Dolly Garland

Friday's Pick (1/11) Keep a Daily Journaling Practice Forever by Mari McCarthy

Tuesday's Pick (1/8) Blueprint for Daily Living by Terri Cole

Monday's Pick (1/7) Create the Life You Want- Start an Action Journal by Sherri Carter, MS

Friday's Pick (1/4) Preview 2013: Ten Journaling Questions to Help You Envision Your Ideal Life Next Year by Rosetta Thurman

Wednesday's Pick (1/2) Awakened Consciousness by Dr. Micheal Pearlman


Wednesday's Pick (12/19) Journaling by Rachel Thomasian

Tuesday's Pick (12/18) The Secret to Happiness and Productivity by Ken Makovsky

Monday's Pick (12/17) Journal Joy by Rebecca Jensen

Friday's Pick (12/14) 5 Steps to Achieving Your Goals (and creating the life you want) by Dolly Garland

Wednesday's Pick (12/12) Writing From Your Heart by Jacqui Malpass

Tuesday's Pick (12/11) Eleven ways to write away worry in a journal for a better night’s sleep by Debra DiPietro

Monday's Pick (12/10) Vulnerability and Courage by Quinn McDonald

Friday's Pick (12/7) 7 Astounding Benefits of Journal Writing by Juliet Platt

Wednesday's Pick (12/5) Make Travel Journaling Fun! by Jennifer Miller


Wednesday's Pick (11/28) Writing Tools: The Journal by Nutschell Windsor

Tuesday's Pick (11/27) 5 Ways to Jumpstart Your Journal Writing When the Words Won’t Flow by Adela Rubio

Monday's Pick (11/26) My Gratitude Journal Taught Me I am a Food-Obsessed, Greedy Cheater Who Still Loves Life by Jayleigh Lewis

Friday's Pick (11/16) Finding the Real You by Lynn Sambrano

Wednesday's Pick (11/14) Do You Aspire to Mediocrity? by Dolly Garland

Tuesday's Pick (11/13) Wouldn't It Be Interesting If...By Debra DiPietro

Friday's Pick (11/9) How Writing Saved My Weary, Pushed-to-the-Edge, New-Mother Soul by Karen Horneffer-Ginter, PhD

Wednesday's Pick (11/7) Travel Tuesdays: Writing and Reflecting by Michelle Cusolito

Tuesday's Pick (11/6) From Journal to Memoir: The Floorplan of Your Mind by Rita Jacobs, PhD

Monday's Pick (11/5) From Journal to Memoir: Capturing the Past through Sense Memory by Rita Jacobs, PhD

Friday's Pick (11/2) Just the Way You Are by Melanie Kindrachuk

Wednesday's Pick (10/31) A Journal Writing Prompt Blooms in My Garden by Ruth Folit

Tuesday's Pick (10/30) Want to Know Yourself Better? Ask Yourself These Questions by Gretchen Rubin

Monday's Pick (10/29) Moments Journal Writing Prompt by Karna Converse @LiteraryMama

Friday's Pick (10/26) Writing in My Journal by Carol Berg

Wednesday's Pick (10/24) Dealing with Fear This Halloween by Debra DiPietro

Tuesday's Pick (10/23) Journal Writing Ideas: Daily Gratitudes by Melissa Donovan

Monday's Pick (10/22) Art Journaling: No Rules by Leah Michon

Friday's Pick (10/19) How Writing Saved My Life by Amanda Duran

Wednesday's Pick (10/17) Make Journal Writing Therapy Your New Wake Up Call by Mari McCarthy

Tuesday's Pick (10/16) The Importance of Journaling by Ehen Akpan

Friday's Pick (10/12) Use Your Journal for Storytelling Practice by Amber Lea Starfire


Wednesday's Pick (10/10) 15 Things Every Woman Should Write Down Right Now by Amy Shearn


Tuesday's Pick (10/9) Feeling Like a Fraud? Fearlessly Embrace and Own All the Good! By Terri Cole

Monday's Pick (10/8) Journal Writing Therapy Playing Word Association by Mari McCarthy

Friday's Pick (10/5) A Weekend Wondering Exercise: What Will You Change? by Stacy Vajta

Tuesday's Pick (10/2) How to Get Past Fears That Stop You From Living Your Dreams by Dolly Garland


Tuesday's Pick (9/25) Writing in Your Dream Journal by Debra DiPietro

Monday's Pick (9/24) Letting Go by Sarah Richardson

Friday's Pick (9/21) A Weekend Wondering Exercise: Your Inner Critic by Stacy Vajta

Wednesday's Pick (9/19) What to do with the "E" word by Yvonne Root

Tuesday's Pick (9/18) What You See is What You Remember by Quinn McDonald

Monday's Pick (9/17) 16 Life Lessons Learned from Journaling by Dolly Garland

Friday's Pick (9/14) The Confusing Lines We Draw by Quinn McDonald

Wednesday's Pick (9/12) Do You Feel Guilty When You Don't Journal? by Dolly Garland

Tuesday's Pick (9/11) From Journal to Memoir: 8 Reasons to Keep a Journal by Rita D. Jacobs, PhD

Monday's Pick (9/10) Key Words: The Madeleines of Journal Writing by Joycelyn Campbell

Friday's Pick of the Day (9/7) How to Journal with Your Teen by Candy Gibbs


Tuesday's Pick (9/4) Wise Choices by Bruce Black

Friday's Pick (8/31) Journal Writing and Memoir: Using Your Journals for Research by Kat Collins

Wednesday's Pick (8/29) Journal Writing Shifts by Shannon

Tuesday's Pick (8/28) De-Clutter Your Cranium to Make Room for the Good Stuff by Terri Cole

Monday's Pick (8/27) One Journal for Everything or Separate Journals for Different Things? by Dolly Garland


Friday's Pick (8/24) Spark Your Self Acceptance with Three Small Questions by Rosie Molinary

Wednesday's Pick (8/22) Ahhh...Am I Really Ready for the Next Level?!?! by Molly Rider


Monday's Pick (8/20) Celebrating a Reached Goal by Quinn McDonald

Friday's Pick (8/17) Writing the Chapters of Your Life by Patti Testerman

Wednesday's Pick (8/15) Daily Creative Practice by Effy Wild

Tuesday's Pick (8/14) Warp Your Journal by Joel Basgall

Monday's Pick (8/13) When One Door Closes, Another Opens by Debra DiPietro

Friday's Pick (8/10) Re-Frame Your Fear of Failure by Terri Cole

Wednesday's Pick (8/8) 5 Ways to Develop Your Writing Style by Lisa Cherry

Tuesday's Pick (8/7) Journaling as a Coping Device by Kelley Harrell

Monday's Pick (8/6) Seeking Serenity: Journaling for Mindfulness by Bruce Black

Friday's Pick (8/3) Why I Gave Journaling Another Try by Leary Gates

Wednesday's Pick (8/1) How to Make Your Writing Pop and Shine by Jessica Morrow

Tuesday's Pick (7/31) Self-Confidence: What Is It, and Where Does It Come From by Dolly Garland

Monday's Pick (7/30) So I Will Write It All Down by Vivienne Borne

Friday's Pick (7/27) The Naked Writer by Laura M. Talley

Wednesday's Pick (7/25) The 5 Blessings of Keeping a Journal by Bruce Black

Tuesday's Pick (7/24) The Elevator Pitch the Write Way by Joanna Tebbs Young

Monday's Pick (7/23) Something Yours by Patty Froese

Friday's Pick (7/20) Journals and A Writing Exercise by Lauren B. Davis

Wednesday's Pick (7/18) Do You Have the Disease to Please? by Terri Cole

Tuesday's Pick (7/17) The 7 Benefits of Keeping a Daily Journal by Michael Hyatt

Monday's Pick (7/16) Jealousy: How to Work Through It by Quinn McDonald

Friday's Pick (7/13) What Are You Making Time for in Your Life? by Debra DiPietro

Wednesday's Pick (7/11) Journaling After Brain Injury by Barbara Stahura

Tuesday's Pick (7/10) 8 Ways Journaling Can Help Simplify Your Thoughts by Dolly Garland

Monday's Pick (7/9) I Create; Therefore I Am by Julie Flygare

Friday's Pick (7/6) Journal Writing with Children by Michelle

Monday's Pick (7/2) The Art of Journal Writing by Elizabeth Beck

Friday's Pick (6/29) Write for the Health of It: Five Reasons Why Writing is Good for Us by Debra DiPietro

Wednesday's Pick (6/27) Where is the Happy Happening? by Terri Cole






































































































Monday's Pick (12/26) Day 12: The Ritual to Get You Writing by Quinn McDonald


Tuesday's Pick (12/20) Journaling for Self-Discovery by Rosie Molinary

Friday's Pick (12/16) Journal Writing Prompt 31-Priorities by Dolly Garland

Monday's Pick (12/19) Keep a Dream Journal-Why Bother? by Patti Testerman

Today's #JournalChat Pick of the Day






















































Thursday's Pick (9/15) Journaling video by Will Steger









Thursday's Pick (9/1) A Challenge and Some Journalng Prompts by Amy Sorensen









Friday's Pick (8/19) Altars to Remember by Amanda



























(6/14): Journaling Your Travel with Book Journals

(6/13) Last Seen....Journaling

(6/10) Joy of Journal Writing

(6/9) Using Your Journal to Clear Your Clutter


(6/7) Personal Journaling Sure Beats a Bad Day

(6/6) 4 Journal Writing Prompts to Spark New Insights

(6/3) "What Oprah Knows For Sure"-#1

(6/2) Sharing Your Thank You and Love through Personal Journaling

(6/1) Kid Quotes are the Best

(5/31) Journaling-The Art of Deep Communication with the Self

(5/30) Spiral-Bound and Spellbound

(5/27) Dare to Dream

(5/26) What Lies Beneath

(5/25) Biggest Mistake Forgiven

(5/23) Journal Writing Your Wrong Ways

(5/20) Journaling Techniques for Writers with Tina M. Games

(5/18) Travel Journal For Kids

(5/17) Planning Ahead, Looking Back

(5/16) Journal Writing Prompt 21: Right Now

(5/13)Mind Your P's and Q's: Part V

(5/10) Art Journaling Prompt: Happiness

(5/09) Journaling with Photos

(5/6) MIA by Rachel with Pen to Paper

(5/5) How to Combine Reflective Writing with Meditation and Yoga

(5/4) Journaling

(5/3) A Week's Worth of Journaling Prompts: The Nature of Resistance

(5/2) Collages, Your Mom, and more

(4/29) Dear Diary: The 4 Payoffs from Writing a Work Journal

(4/28) Secrets Journaling Prompt

(4/27) The Miracle of Mindfulness

(4/26) Your Philosophy

(4/25) Journal Writing Basics: Ask How

(4/22) What Inspires You? What Excites You?

(4/21) Journal Writing Prompt 18: Busy Life/Stress/Responsibilities

(4/19) A Week's Worth of Journaling Prompts: Expanding Creativity


(4/15) Journal-Keeping: Tips and Ideas for Writers

(4/14) Mind Your P's and Q's: Part I

(4/13) Journal Writing Through Life's Passages: Moving

(4/12) Appreciate Journaling: Children Need to Write

(4/11) Journaling for Healing, Health, and Happiness
(4/7) Yellow Legal Pad

(4/6) Meet Brooke Snow! An Amazing Mom!

(3/30) Let the Left Brain Know What the Right Brain is Doing: An Interview with Dr. Lucia Capacchione

(3/28) Movies Journal Prompt

(3/25) The Power of Forgetting

(3/24) Ten Ways to Keep a Great Diary

(3/23) Journal to the Soul

(3/22) A Reflective Writing Honoring of Women's History Month

(3/21) A Week's Worth of Journaling Prompts: Vulnerability

(3/18) How Journaling Changed My Life: Receiving Journal Insight


(3/14) Let Them Play in the Backyard


(3/11) How to Keep a Journal When You Don't Ever Have Any Time

(3/10) Memories

(3/9) Journal Writing through Emotions: Disappointment

(3/8) Revolutionary Act 3: Reclaim Your Mornings

(3/7) 7 Reasons to Start a Journal

(3/4) "I Wish.."










































































































































































































































































































































Three Steps Toward Accountability...to Yourself (as published in SFC Newsletter, Dec 08 edition)

Accountability: to give a reckoning or explanation for one’s actions, responsible.

When most people think of accountability, they often negatively associate it with answering to others, such as a spouse, a friend, a mentor, or, in most cases, a boss. As a writer, you are your own boss, which is one of the reasons that you need to be accountable to yourself. And it can be a positive experience rather than a negative one.

The first step in being accountable to yourself as a writer is setting goals for your writing and keeping track of projects you want to finish. Incurring a deadline for yourself can help
motivate you in this area. This step can also include daily writing goals. Some authors plan how many words or pages per day they will write.
I’ve set goals for myself as a writer by making them reachable and attainable. This year I have set a goal to write at least one scene for my novel per week and at least one other piece,
whether it be memoir or essay, per week. That can mean just making notes, writing a first draft, or revising a draft.
As long as your goals keep you moving forward and you’re making progress, then you know you’re headed in the right direction.

Once you have your goals set, the next step in accountability to yourself is writing down what you accomplish each day. You can use a daily calendar just for writing or keep track of your
daily accomplishments on your computer. I designed a custom monthly writing calendar. It helps me track what I write daily, whether or not I’ve met my goal for the week, and it has
space for ideas for future writing pieces. I also have a spot to keep track of books I’m reading for that month. I use abbreviations to keep the daily writing easier and to save space. As I review each completed month, I can go back to see what I’ve accomplished and keep track of when I wrote each piece.
Whether you use something pre-made or customize something for yourself, use whatever works for you and helps you stay accountable to yourself.

A third, and perhaps most important, aspect in accountability in your writing is taking care of yourself as a writer. Than can mean giving yourself space and not being hard on yourself if
you don’t reach your goals each day or each week.
Flexibility and refreshment are paramount to your health as a writer. It also frees up your creativity and can actually help you produce more quality writing in the long run.
I enjoy writing in my journal, reading fiction or memoir, and watching a good movie with my family. Taking a walk, listening to music, talking with your family members, and just taking time to sit and enjoy life are all ways you can be good to
yourself—and ultimately accountable—as a writer.

Learn to celebrate your accomplishments and your uniqueness as a writer. That’s one of the best ways to be accountable—to yourself!