For two whole months, I had to write in a journal the first things that came to my mind. This idea was suggested by the author Natalie Goldberg and our professor Cynthia Pittmann, incorporated it to our class activities. The rules were simple:
1. Keep your hand moving
2. Don't cross out
3. Don't worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar
4.Lose control
5. Don't think
6. Don’t get logical
7. Go for the jugular.
In my case, I was successful with achieving almost every rule. They only thing that I had a lot of trouble with, but then got used to doing was, not crossing out words. I’m usually a perfectionist, and minor things bother me. 
Before the project, I considered myself a lazy writer. I didn’t like to write for fun and if I had to do it for a class, I would usually spend a lot of time in the process. Eventually, my writing process became faster and the fluidity of my work, improved.
In a way, I think it was due to the fact that I felt no pressure to write perfectly or coherently, so I wrote faster than ever. The only thing that I don’t like now is that I have to start writing perfectly again, just when I got used to writing as I pleased.
In terms of me as a writer, I would like to stay as a writer, whose only reader is myself. In my twitter, I do write, but it is a different type of writing. I do not have to write perf
ectly and I do not write about controversial topics. I mostly just post thoughts that I find interesting or videos that make me laugh. After the journal project, I have stayed the same way because Twitter and Facebook are very public, and I do not like to use them for writing my feelings or opinions.
ectly and I do not write about controversial topics. I mostly just post thoughts that I find interesting or videos that make me laugh. After the journal project, I have stayed the same way because Twitter and Facebook are very public, and I do not like to use them for writing my feelings or opinions.
I discovered that my emotional health, influenced the decisions that I made during the day and how I treated others. I also found out another thing with the journal, in terms of my spirituality and my energy. I am Catholic, but do not practice it very often. The journal to me, was like my religion. It made me connect with my better side, the side that likes peace and treating others with respect. Religion usually helps you be the better version of yourself, and the journal did that with me.
I would love to share with you, a blog entry from Rekha Shrivastava, a Certified Hypnotist and Rehabilitation Counselor. She discussed in her blog all the important aspects about feelings, how to deal with them and how to recognize them. If you are still not convinced about the positive results of having a journal and/or expressing your feelings, you should click here. I was impressed at how accurate she was when referring to the negative things that could happen to someone if they didn't express their feelings because they happened to me.
To conclude, the journal project has helped me be a more open person to myself. Honestly, I wouldn’t have dared to talk about my feelings two months ago, even to myself. Especially, when I was starting a new college experience and had to focus solely on college work. Now, I can let it all go with a pen and a piece of paper. As simple as that.
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ReplyDeleteThis post is very creative, loved it! I had e exact same problem, I don't like the mispelling part and t's hard to forget about it while writing but eventually you get used to it. Those memes made me laugh so hard lol. I do agree with you, the journal helps you in every aspect. For me it became a stress reliever. Incan relate with the emotional part very much because I'm not used to open up to someone and talk about them so I keep a lot of them in me. I hope you continue to write and that it vontinues to help you! Loved the pictures and gifs very much!
ReplyDeleteI had to laugh when I read that now you need to start getting used to writing perfectly again because the same thing happened to me. I have noticed that now my hand writing is very sloppy whenever I write on my notebook. However, I do have to admit that now I write faster. Also, I share the same opinion as you about what I publish on my social media accounts. I do not like writing about how I feel or what just happened to me because, first, that is my private life and, second, no one actually cares. Thank you for sharing Rekha's link. I read the blog entry and it was quite interesting.
ReplyDeleteI have to admit, I was not expecting that picture of Homer Simpson. It was a splash of humor in an otherwise serious post and it really gives the reader a break to just be silly.
ReplyDeleteIt's really great that the journal was able to help you spiritually. It's supposed to help someone open up to their inner self. And it's really awesome that it was able to help you in that respect.
I sincerely wish you good luck in the rest of the writing endeavors in your life because, even though it's not easy for everyone, it really helps one maintain their sanity in an otherwise insane world.
I loved that you used hilarious pictures and gifs... I'm glad this journal assignment helped you open up to yourself; it helped me too. I found very fascinating the link you shared. It made me realize how true it is that we have always been taught to suppress our feelings of anger, shame, guilt and annoyance. I used to do this for a very long time in my life and it actually led me to exactly what the article mentioned; feeling anxious and restless often. When I decided to finally express my real feelings to others (and my journal eventually) it felt truly relieving. I'm really glad you shared that article.
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