Being You

I didn’t realize until I took this picture — of a bit of journal experimentation using one of my favourite printable prompts as a template — that the page itself reveals aspects of what it feels like to be me: colour-inspired, enthusiastically chaotic in my approach to new ideas, and, in so many ways, a work in progress. All of which I’m slowly learning to embrace — rather than reject as personal shortcomings.

Such an unexpected turn of events, which is so often the case when I go wandering in my journal. I haven’t even glued anything down yet or written my three words! Who knows what will happen next?

How about you? Right this moment, what does it feel like to be you?

Leap! - a new colourful words journal page

I love everything about the word leap. It’s super-short, but it conjures up lively images of leaping for joy, leaping over puddles, and, when required, leaping the occasional tall building. It’s also the subject of a long list of sayings denoting progress, surprise, growth, and delight — all excellent food for thought and the inspiration for my newest colourful words journal page.

I had such a wonderful time writing the prompts for this page that I ended up taking a little leap of my own — from journal making to pattern making. I wondered if I could create some simple background patterns for pages in my journal. I played with shapes and colours in Illustrator and ended up with several options, which I printed and included in the photo above. But now I’m also wondering if I can find a fun way to include colourful patterns in my journal pages . . .

In the meantime, I hope this page will inspire you to leap to your journal and start writing!

I dream in colour

Ever since my colourful words journal pages began to take shape, I’ve been experimenting with letters in Illustrator. This colourful combination made it into my journal.

Tell me about your dreams. What are you dreaming of today?

Journal pages in progress

On my virtual drawing board this week are two new colourful words journal pages - giggle and imagine - and a new experiment - a sort of interactive affirmation journal page to write and keep nearby while you dream your dream and do your thing. (The blue one up top says, “yes you can”.) They probably won’t end up looking exactly as they do here, but I’m loving the process of creating prompts within prompts. What do you think?

love, inspire, make

The beginnings of a new set of journal pages. I am so, so excited about these ones!

What Is And What Could Be

As I was scrolling through Pinterest recently, I noticed the quote, “I see you in colours that don’t exist,” by poet Paul Matsumoto. Have you seen it before? I hadn’t, but it struck a chord.

I feel like this all the time. And not just in seeing people, but in so many of my experiences of the world. I find myself drawn to a vision of the world that doesn’t quite exist. Don’t we all? My vision tends toward kinder, slower, more accepting, less painful.

I often wonder how to incorporate that sensation into my journaling in a way that is constructive and rooted in everyday experience, but that also leaves room for expansion of the colour palette. It’s a constant challenge. It’s a fine line between aspiration and fantasy.

The truth is that I don’t know exactly how to do that yet. But it feels good to try. Today’s journal experiment is a step along the way – thinking about ways to bridge the gap between what is and what could be. It’s up in the shop if you’d like to take a peek.

For now though, do you carry a vision of a world that doesn’t quite exist? What does it look like to you?

Journal Page In Progress . . .

Journal Prompt - Making wishes

I like to think of wishes as goals-in-training. They're a great way to think about things you'd like to have, do or change. And the thinking doesn't have to end there. It can lead to thoughts about the steps you'll take to make your wishes come true. (I know not every wish is possible, but I love the prospect of working toward the ones that are.)

What are you wishing for today?

(This printable journal page is part of my new Life Story series.)

There you are. In everything you do.

Switching gears to try something new: an ongoing collection of journal pages dedicated to capturing small, but meaningful, everyday moments as a way to explore your experiences and write your story – as it unfolds. I’ve started with six, but there are more in the works.

If you’d like to take a peek, you’ll find them here.

Journal Prompt - The Story of Your Life So Far

Our life stories. Finding meaning in our moments. Learning from experience. Becoming who we are. Enjoying the ride (or at least parts of it).

Some of the things I've been thinking about this week ... and for as long as I can remember.

I have a project in mind. It's both big and small. The thought of sharing it makes me really nervous. But it's the good kind of nervous, where curiosity wins out over second thoughts. I hope you'll stay tuned!

In the meantime, what important moments stand out in your life story so far?