Journaling

Journaling has been a part of my life since 1991.  It has allowed me to sit and think about my day, express what's on my mind, what some of my concerns are and what brought me joy that day.

Journaling has always been a comfort to me and a place to put many of my thoughts and feelings I might not share with others.  When I was going through my cancer, it was a place to put all my fears and concerns.  Many people write morning pages when they first get out of bed.  I use to do that, especially while I was dealing with my cancer but now I write before I go to bed.

During Kwanzaa I do the rituals of each evening and read what I wrote about the principles of that day, last year and then write what I want to do the next year.  The last night I stay up and read my journal entries for the entire year and then write what I want for the next year.  I find that so comforting because often we don't think we have accomplished anything in the past year and often we forget things that happened that year.  Of course there are things there that I have not accomplished but its a reminder that I must work on that for the next year.

As artist-in-residence in my local school district, I have suggested to teachers that it can be used in the classroom.  It might be a way for students to have some quiet time.  If the students are told that the journals will not be shared, it might give then a chance to express some of their inner feelings.  The teacher must commit to reading entries and it might give her/him some insight into their students.

Each day the teacher can put a few prompts on the board to assist the students with some possible things to write about.

 And so the journey continues...