Journaling
Gems
A Periodic Newsletter Offering Journaling
Tips, Motivation and
Inspiration for Creative Souls.
Vol. VI, Special Edition - January 2010
© 2010, Rosemary Augustine
A New Year /A New Decade - Time For Change
by Rosemary Augustine
Berwyn, Pa - So it's 2010! Hard to believe 10 years ago we were scratching our heads about how the world really didn't stop with the change over to the new millennium. Now 10 years later, we are probably still thinking about making changes that haven't been made... YET! So, a few suggestions here:
If we are facing a new year, what's really most important is that we are facing a new decade. With that comes lots of changes - in yourself, with relationships, work, habits, etc. So what's going on in your life that you want to change? Working on my new book "365 Days To Journal," today, I was making some entries about annoyances and tolerances, especially when it comes to yourself or a relationship (family / friend or loved one). This exercise goes way back to my first book when I talked about accepting, rejecting or tolerating situations. I bring it up again only this time in a little different light. The exercise goes like this:
Let's say you are in an unhealthy relationship, and you just can't seem to make a move... you say to yourself: I accept it - I embrace it "as is" with no changes (journal by identifying all the pluses); I reject it - you don't accept it, so you take action to change it (and probably leave it or move on eventually - you'll need to journal on your steps to do this later) also, you will want to list all the minuses in your journal - you'll see they outweigh the pluses or at least there is one glaring minus that you can no longer live with; or I tolerate it - you don't accept or reject, you remain neutral (or numb is more like it) to something or someone very toxic to you. This is a very interesting journaling exercise and one that helps you make decisions - even if only on paper for the time being.
First, list all your annoyances - you know, the little petty things that really get your goat. Maybe you're annoyed at Aunt Maggie's drooling (she's young) or the jerk that leaves a dirty coffee cup in the sink at work. These may be petty but they lead to bigger issues - you'll see as we continue on the exercises.
So, list all your annoyances. Now journal on what your life would be like without such annoyances.
Next list all your tolerances - you know, behavior (yours or others), thoughts, clutter, unhealthy relationships, toxic friends, toxic family members. In tolerating such people / things, list the pluses and minuses regarding the person or situation. Use the tool - accept / reject / tolerate for each situation you list regarding tolerances. Now journal on what your life would be like if you accepted or rejected the person / behavior / situation. Spend at least 15 minutes on this exercise - 30 minutes maximum.
Remember, journaling is fun, easy and can be done in the morning, at lunch or in the quiet of your evening. Find a time that is best for you and journal – everyday! Please consider subscribing to this newsletter since I send a monthly newsletter about journaling ideas, tips, upcoming eCourses and more. I also will be offering "Finding Your Creative Self" beginning in February and you may miss out if you are not subscribed. This page is updated infrequently, by subscribing, you will receive monthly updates. You can unsubscribe at any time. You can also visit the "Events" page of this website for more info and registration for upcoming eCourses.
Happy New Year! and Happy New Decade!
Rosemary
Augustine
PS…Please forward this newsletter to at least 3 people that you feel may find this information interesting (or 10 people - keeping in the spirit of the year - 2010).
~
~ ~
Presented by: Rosemary Augustine
Author of "How To Live and Work Your Passion" and soon
to be released "365 Days To Journal"
© 2001-10, Rosemary Augustine
About Rosemary | Bookshelf
| Newsletter
Upcoming Events | Links
| FAQ's | Publisher
| Home