Do More of What Brings You Joy

I have been journaling ever since I was a freshman in high school. I was really struggling with what I now know to be depression and my dear beloved Pastor Woody Floto suggested it as a tool to talk to God and share my feelings with Him. I started then and have been doing it ever since. (It’s only been a couple of years… 🤓)

Segway Alert 🚨 You might find it funny that I remember censoring my journal entries because I was afraid my daughter (yes, daughter… how did I know I’d have a daughter? But, that’s what my 14 year old brain thought at the time) would one day find my journals, read them, and think I was a horrible person. “Oh honey 💔…” If I could go back and talk to that young, innocent, depressed girl, I’d tell her to “let it all out! No censorship allowed. Journaling is an excellent form of self-expression.” I’d tell her that “learning how to navigate through all these emotions; to name, claim, express, get out, accept, cope with emotions is vital to inner wellbeing. And journaling is a very wonderful, healthy mental, emotional, spiritual tool to do just that!” 📝

Fast forward a few years, back to this day: I still love journaling! Each journal becomes like a dear, dear friend to me. I always feel a tinge of sadness when I finish the last page and retire the book to my special drawer dedicated to the pages and pages of my life.

For me, writing in my journal has become a habit and a way of life. I use it in SO many ways! So I thought I would share a recent journal entry with you. When I opened the blank page in this journal, it stated in the middle; “Do More of What Brings You Joy”. I decided to fill the page with words and phrases of things that make me happy. I switched it up and used my colored pens to bring the page and my very thoughts and dreams alive. I had so much fun doing it this way. 🖍📘🖍📗

I am looking at this journal entry a lot!! It makes me happy with a mere simple glance. It makes my heart feel warm and hopeful. And it places the words in my mind and sparks my imagination of all that I hope my present and future will hold.

And it occurs to me as I write this post, how much I am enjoying the little moments of this new journey, and doing so to the fullest! This, dear ones, is the sweet spot. Maybe this going after my dreams stuff isn’t all scary and filled with uncertainties after all. I am discovering such precious little victories! My heart beat quickens a tad as I acknowledge this!

I think the best way for me to wrap up this special blog moment is to vow to continue to share these special little victories with you. My hope is that it will encourage you to celebrate your own little and big victories. They are really important after all aren’t they? I believe so. 🌈

What are some of the special victories you are experiencing today? Acknowledge it. Celebrate it. Share it. And cherish your moment within it.

And why should we do that?

It’s time…. 🌅

Blessings dear ones,

Christine