I have filled up many pages over the years.

Many pages making lists

How many of you make lists? I’m definitely a list maker. I have lists leading to other lists that lead to more lists. Do I ever get the items checked off? Well….most of the time, I do eventually.

Many pages doodling

I love to doodle. If I’m on the phone and there is a piece of paper and pen close by, I’m drawing something. Here lately, I have really enjoyed drawing Zentangles. I find it to be very relaxing.

Many pages of journals

I have had my teenage journals, as well as my journals I started as an adult that I talked about last week. I have also had many others. One type I started was a prayer journal. I would write down the date and my prayers as I was talking to God about them. Then when they were answered, I would go back and write the date down and thank God for answering it. Do I still have some that have not been answered yet? Of course, but that just reminds me to keep praying. After all, it is about God’s timing and not mine.

Another journal I had was a blessings, or gratitude, journal. It was similar to the prayer journal. Each day I would write down a few things I was grateful for. It helped me a lot when I was dealing with depression issues. It encouraged me to have a more positive attitude and outlook.

I also had a mother/daughter journal while my daughter was a teenager. Those of you who have raised, or are raising, teenagers know how tough it can be. My daughter and I communicated back and forth through the journal. It was a way we could talk through tough situations without yelling and screaming at each other. It was a safe place, because one of the “rules” for the journal was that the things written down could not be shared. Since it was easier to write down how we were feeling than it was to say it, we were able to be completely honest with each other.

There is no right or wrong way to journal. Just start writing, or even drawing. It is amazing how you can work through things just by getting the words out of your head and onto paper.

So here is a challenge for you – Try to start at least one type of journal this year. Just see how it goes. I think you will be surprised with yourself. I know that I always am.