It doesn't have to be pretty. It doesn't even have to make sense. It is the practice and the process of writing that contributes to wellness. Wellness through writing can be as great or small as the amount of time and energy put into it.

In the words of Stephen Covey, "Begin with the end in mind." As I age, it becomes more obvious that my mind loves the process of writing, reading, word-ing. My practice goes from short, micro bursts of creative thought(s), to more intentional, directed writing, as is the case in my first ebook that will be published soon. There is a focus and a drive that fuels my writing passion. Not so much to produce written work, but the way I feel when I am writing and when I put the pen down is my true motivation.

When I get some of these thoughts out of my head and down on paper, I can see why they bother me, excite me, or why I feel like I MUST share them. "Thoughts are things" as Napoleon Hill is quoted so often. I prefer to learn from mine. I have experience with ignoring them that was not so pleasant. Take regret, for example. As a thought, regret can lead to destructive behaviors and addictive personal choices. Put regret on paper, in black and white, and it has no power to destroy, and recovery from addiction is possible, if you chose. The value of a revealed regret is zero, zip, nadda. When viewed from the outside, thoughts like regret can change. It is my experience that as soon as I physically wrote what I thought was regret, it began to dissipate, and as I wrote about it more, it would completely disappear. Life without regret is possible, and is my goal, the end for which I begin my journey to wellness through writing.

It's not the situation that's causing your stress, it's your thoughts, and you
can change that right here and now. You can choose to be peaceful right here and
now. Peace is a choice, and it has nothing to do with what other people do or
think.

- Gerald G. Jampolsky, MD

"Trust the process and the practice of wellness through your writing. Benefiting you and all around you, it is the gift that keeps on giving." ~Janet Arnold

My perspective on awareness is changing. Almost daily, I am discovering more of the finer details that I was not aware of until I made a mindful decision to begin looking more closely. Linger and listen longer. Consciously go from one thought to the next with the intention of seeing where it would take me or wonder where I had been in my thoughts. 

While on vacation, I have a ring-side seat watching what is important to other people. I see bonding through making memories between parents and their children. I see tenderness between lovers and friends. I hear beauty and I see music. Almost an out-of-body experience, and almost intrusion, I am grateful this tapestry of life is playing out before my eyes. I am the fortunate one here, although I imagine  those who have been part of my new awarenesss would  beg to differ. 

It occurs to me, however, that this is my experience, not theirs. At breakfast this morning, we were treated to an African drum performance. I had what I consider an emotional response to the sounds as the staff members played and marched through our tables. It sounded like 'home' and they played with all their heart. Tears welled in my eyes as I clapped when they marched by our table. Some guests in our seating area were moved to put down their fork and dance in movememts representative of this style of music, even if their heritage was of another culture. My husband applauded and listened as I choked back tears wondering why I was having such an emotional reaction. The experience ended as gently as it began. And we all resumed our breakfast. 

The experience is still lingering in my mind. As I wondered this morning what I would write about today, I am now totally amused at how the question was answered. More questions have come alongside the answers that were provided. lt occurs to me that I may be part of the experience that others are having, and not even know it. It is my  heart's desire that I have an inspiring effect on  them. This brings me such joy. A generous reward for answering when my name is called.  It is such a privilege to be called to physically witness this awareness perspective, a shared experience. I am always amazed when I get what I ask for. I wonder why that is? 

Earlier this year my husband and I traveled to Cozumel, Mexico. We toured the San Gervasio Ruins. This was possible, due in no small part to some one who intentionally began to record information about this place. The Wikipedia link references go back to 1518 when the island was discovered by the Spanish. A mere 495 years ago.Originally not recorded in my language, but I can find the information and reference it to other important people, places and things, very simply put.

Since the moment my foot struck the cautiously navigable stones here, a beating in my chest about #legacy continues. My calling as a #journal coach for the purposes of awareness, wellness, plenty and peace was made concrete during this visit. I feel pressed to create an urgency for the discovery of your stories, and the intentional literary legacy that your life and your life's work represents.

I am alarmed at how some things are rapidly disappearing from out collective human nature. Scrapbooking is barely alive, almost a subculture of folks that know the power of having a physical, well-thought-out compilation of memories that can be passed between people. Held in their hands and shared around the coffee table when they get together, they recall other times, other people, and things. There are great new scrapbooking tools that allow for greater creativity and encourage the common sharing of the most simple treasured photos to milestones achieved over the course of time.

Then along comes the sweet treats and all the 'villes, and for the time spent doing these things, memories could be recorded on the same device. Record your memories for the purpose of sharing them with someone the next time you see them. For instance, write your children a story based on a memory from your childhood. Recall your favorite date with your lover for your next anniversary celebration. Buy a card and send it to someone just to say hello!

We are becoming more disconnected from each other by the minute, if we continue to be 'numbed-down' by the rewards of points, levels, and aquisition. Things that have no real physical value. Things that only exist in the 'bank of time spent' that we can never get back. I encourage you to make your moments count by leaving your mark on the world, for your family or for a purpose larger than yourself. Give a gift that continues to give. Something that others will treasure and hold dear. Your own awareness matters to others when you embrace it literally! Create through #journaling literacy legacy that shows where your footprints are.

The big rocks in the forefront of this photo are symbolic to me personally. Just getting to the house was a struggle. This culture made the best of what was a rocky situation. At these ruins, we saw hand prints on what is left of the buildings that were thought to be homes. They left their mark. Intentionally. And the literary legacy began. Something to write home about.

As promised, I am sharing my favorite high tech digital journal gear that I use most often. The reasons I use them are that they all sync with my computer, iPhone or iPad, and I can make little notes along the way; when and wherever the #inspiration occurs. Quite often, that inspiration comes in a single word that I later expand upon after meditation, research, or just plain rolling it around in my brain. This week's picture is my favorite mind mapping program Simple Minds+. What you see is an actual project that flew from my finger tips over the course of a long weekend, and nowhere near my laptop. One thought leads to topics, and then the words lead to lists. All was transfered off my iPad, to my desktop and then into a Word Document, where polish and shine was effortless.

I also use iDo Notepad (Diary/Journal). My favorite feature here is ease of search and see many notes at once. I email myself and others. I enjoy adding different fonts and colors to these notes, which often takes my thoughts on a different path. I can also make the font bigger while working on it and reading it if I need to. Sometimes my eyes are tired and need a little help! I can also do this in the dark, without disturbing my husband. I like to journal the last thoughts of the day.
I have recently discovered the Evernote family. Each time I use it I learn something new. That in itself makes me warm and fuzzy! There is a lot of information available in getting the most out of these applications available on the internet. We used it at work this week to document, photograph and email/include team members. I can see great potential in my future #listology (my term for part of planning process as well as progress), #JournalCoach client files, and my blogging production in general. There are many times when the creativity flows, in many forms. The process of using the creativity to #LeaveALegacy comes with shaping the ideas into something of value. To myself, and to you. What high tech digital gear you use is a process that helps you accomplish what you set out to do with your legacy. Next week I am writing about a #LiteraryLegacy.

Thank you for continuing to read my blog posts every week. I hope they inspire you to create, write, use your time in a way that makes a difference some how, to someone. We never know who that someone might be. Click on the RSS feed button to get this weekly post. I promise not to spam or use you in any other way.

Guess what time it is?
It's back to school time! That means all of the journaler's tools are on sale! Oh, happy day for the journal enthusiasts!

These are my must-haves: 

• Spiral binders (purchased for 17 cents each this week!) I get them wide ruled so that I can add thoughts to my thoughts when I review and I try to once a month. 
• Mechanical pencils with erasers as well as a few of the original wood ones. I find that the wooden ones work better between my teeth for the conditioning of my smile muscles! Seriously. And seriously, I can sometimes dig out a word or phrase that is stubbornly sticking in my brain with the simple act of writing and erasing until I am satisfied that what was in my brain is out-> and on the paper. A wooden pencil can feel like a shovel handle with the slightest of imagination. It all depends on what you are digging for.
• Colored pens are just fun to write with. I often find myself in a playful mood
  where only color will do. I use them mostly for my notes alongside the pictures
  I cut out or print that go in my artwork journal. I can add a colorful thought
  that is like a different flower in an arrangement as the thought collage is
  revealed over time. They serve me well and don't bleed through the pages like
  the fine point permanent markers do, however I use them on my vision boards. And
  I have certain colors for specific planning and goals i.e. green for money, in
  or out.
• I want to share the two discoveries that have opened my #journaling heart even
  more than ever before. First is the erase-able highlighter. I highlight thoughts
  that are important and need some action. When I have acted on it, I go back and
  erase part of the first highlight color and add a different one. It is a
  horizontal progress bar of sorts. And saving the best journaler's tool for
  last, is the correction tape. What a liberating piece of equipment. I recommend
  buying them in pairs. When one runs out, replace it. With another pair! When I
  review my notes and cannot read them because I have written over them, I sensed
  a frustration that is overcome by creating a word or thought that is absolutely
  legible. The finished page that looks neater and fresher without a bunch of
  scratched out, strike-through blobs throughout it leaves me with a sense of accomplishment. That
  must be important to me. Using the right tool helps me achieve a work of art that I am grateful for. That much, I know, IS important to me.

Your journal dollars go along way during this time. Please leave a comment about your favorite implement of
#art-ic-U-lation! Send this over to a friend who may be needing a little inspiration to make progress on their own journal journey. This is a valuable use of  your time. Continue to leave a legacy in your writing. Create memories that bring you joy. Pick up the pen, and write!