New pages
Two words: creativity and processing. That pretty much sums up my relationship with journaling. Processing the good, the bad and everything in between. Some things I write down in order to remember and some to forget. I like putting pen to paper in order to say a final goodbye to something that has kept my mind busy, or to express my feelings without always having to talk about it. Putting all the cards on the table, like that, can feel so liberating.
Journaling and a cup of hot ginger tea is my kind of therapy. After a long and draining day, I like to write, doodle, paint and create collages. To me, each notebook is a space where I am allowed to create just for me: Painting to relax my mind, drawing until I feel calm, and filling the pages with tiny memories that I want to keep with me, like train- and concert tickets.
There are typos, smudged ink and unfinished lists, but these pages are created because I want to, and not because I have something to prove. So many hours of our day has to follow a certain pattern, where we have to “prove ourselves worthy” but at least these pages are not. I guess that all I’m trying to say is be gentle with yourself today and always. If you think journaling can help you to do that, give it a try.
“I want to live simply. I want to sit by the window when it rains and read books I’ll never be tested on. I want to paint because I want to, not because I’ve got something to prove. I want to listen to my body, fall asleep when the moon is high and wake up slowly, with no place to rush off to. I want not to be governed by money or clocks or any of the artificial restraints that humanity imposes on itself. I just want to be, boundless and infinite.”
-Unknown
A couple of pages covered in magazine cutouts that I received from my penpal, Luci. She always inspires me when it comes to creativity and self-care, so I decided to make a few pages that reminded me of her.
Sometimes it feels great to create without really focusing, while watching a good movie or listening to a podcast. It allows more creativity, as you are can to create without judgement.
A tiny interview I came across, with one of my favorite musicians, Kaya Wilkins.
Trying to capture the essence of 2018, as the year is slowly coming to an end: Pulp fiction, minimalism, podcasts and chilly mornings in London was only some of it.
Wishes for 2019: More days where I lose track of time, days spent outside and days spent learning something valuable. Let it be the year of personal growth, good music, red lips, close friends, speaking up and battling climate change.
Another page inspired by a movie. When you draw or paint while watching, you don’t have time to be a perfectionist, because the movie will always move on to the next frame.
