I spill my thoughts, my feelings, my choices, my decisions out on the pages of my art and visual journals.
Taking the time to do so, even if it’s only for a few minutes at a time, helps me build a better connection and understanding of who I am and why I do what I do.
Making these things visual by way of writing, images, collage, doodles, drawings etc. forces me to see with my eyes what’s going on inside of me. It’s a powerful way to help me make sense of it all and move forward instead of letting everything spin and twirl inside causing who knows what kind of damage.
I get to love up on the parts I sometimes ignore or forget about and change course if I’m out of alignment (according to me).
During one of my visual journaling workshops, a participant mentioned that I share a lot of my journals on Instagram.
But I don’t.
I show you what I choose to share because this practice is all for me.
I used to feel bad to say that, but not anymore. I’ve got strong boundaries regarding my journals and they’re not up for negotiation. Plus they’ve helped other people realize that boundaries actually “create space instead of constriction” (as per participant B.M.). And that erecting their own boundaries around their visual journaling helped them feel freer to create in ways that they wanted without the intention of making something to simply show someone else (paraphrased from participant R.F.).
This is my main practice that’s helping me live a life that I’m loving at the moment.
Even during a pandemic.
Even while living with a chronic illness.
Even when I get hit with a case of the feels as I did a few days ago.
Even while being in a world that often tells me I’m not welcome in some places.
And always when my wisdom and truth are ignored or discounted.