I've mentioned before that I journal about once every three years. But even so, I think journals can give you inspiration in a few ways.
First, go back and read what you've written. I do this more with my writing notebooks than my journals (but then this wouldn't be posted until November 26th when I do "W" in the alphabet!). Some days I'm just full of ideas and they kind of just pour out in a jumble of notes, phrases, words, doodles, food stains, and quotes that I've made up for famous people ("Eggs do the body good...pass it on" -Betsy Ross). I don't usually get any real writing done on these days. My brain is just too scattered. So, I have to go back later and try to sort through the detritus to find the good ideas and be inspired by them.
Second, sometimes the act of journaling can provide the inspiration. There are times in our lives when our emotional baggage can get in the way of inspiration and creativity. Putting your pen to paper and working through those things can open you back up to inspiration. Unclog your brain and your heart and let creativity flow!
I know! its like a time capsule sometimes.
ReplyDeleteYou have described the process perfectly. Sometimes creativity is zapping everywhere, others it's hard to tap..:)
ReplyDeleteI wish I was a more regular journaler. The ones I wrote in high school and college are both priceless and precious.
ReplyDeleteI'm a journaler, but don't write near as much as I once did before marriage. The same half-inch journal used to fill up six months of my life. Now it's more like three years. The funny thing is that I just read about how writing in a journal truly can free our minds. If we are suffering and in pain, writing about it is even more empowering than talking about it. And if we're happy and write about those things, we end up staying happy even longer. From the book 59 Seconds.
ReplyDeleteYou're reminding me when I wrote about the meaning of life as a teenager, I must go find that in the closet some time, what a read!
ReplyDeleteI read about journaling every morning to rid yourself of clutter so you can start the day ready to be creative, but it didn't last long.
Interesting point Christie, another good reason to have a note book by the bed.
Ha, I am just like you. I journal once every three years. Though my blog is a journal of sorts. It is super fun to go back and read about what i was doing/thinking this time last year.
ReplyDeleteI go through spurts of inspiration through notebooks. I have one I label "Plot Bunnies" and just my own journal, they're very helpful, especially during writers block!
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