Why Journal?
Everyone has a story. What’s yours?
I am a storyteller at heart and was born curious. At a young age, I walked around the house with a tape recorder interviewing family members. Later, I would share their stories in pretend newscasts, which paved the way for my early career in broadcast journalism.
Like most young girls, I kept a diary and wrote stories, which my friends and I illustrated. Journaling is second nature to me. It forces me to pause and reflect on what really matters.
Everyone has a story to tell. You have a story to tell. Give journaling a chance. I assure you, it will enrich your life. As a narrative life coach, I will share tools to help you visualize and write the story you long to live.
Welcome to Journal It!
Your resource for weekly tips and journaling prompts will help you explore the power of possibility.
Here’s all you need to create a tool kit to get started:
Journal - pick one that sparks joy
Ink pen - select a high-quality writing tool
Colored markers, pencils or paints, glue stick
Sources of inspiration: photos, art, quotes, books, magazines
Open and curious mind
How do you imagine your story will unfold? Journal It!
Need more inspiration to start writing your story?
I highly recommend using a daybook as a journaling prompt. I like how they are organized as a walk through the year, beginning on New Year’s Day. But don’t wait until next January to start using one. Pick one up today and start wherever you’d like to. It’s your story, so you make the rules. Here are my top picks, in the order in which I used them:
Simple Abundance, by Sarah Ban Breathnack, was my first introduction to daybooks. It was a gift from a colleague back in 1998, when I was in a transition period in my life. Aren’t we always? It was the perfect companion to guide me that year and I continue to reference it today. Since, then she has released an updated edition, along with a gratitude journal. sarabanbreathnack.com
Another source of inspiration for my daily reflections are Maria Shriver’s I’ve Been Thinking book and companion journal, which served as my spiritual guide for two years. I also subscribe to her Sunday Paper, which continues to provide powerful questions that help me focus on how to live a meaningful life. mariashriver.com
For those of you who are looking for a lighter way to start your day, I urge you to try one of Hoda Kotb’s books of quotes, I Really Needed This Today or This Just Speaks to Me. 2020 was more bearable because of her daily boosts of love and laughter. Her short, sweet words to live by will surely lift your spirits, even on the darkest days.
I started 2021 with a new daybook, Every Day Spirit, by Mary Davis, which was given to me by a friend. I was so impressed with it, I gifted it to several friends and family members this Christmas. There is now a gratitude journal available to help you count your daily blessings. everydayspirit.net
Journaling Tip:
Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day of journaling or reading your daybook. It happens to me all the time. Maybe it’s a good thing. It means you are on the fun wheel of life or simply too busy. When the time is right, pick up where you left off and keep writing your story. Oh, and don’t forget the juicy details that kept you away for so long!