I love a New Year! I feel invigorated. I feel like a clean slate is before me that I get to write on in any way I choose. I can lament about all the stuff I didn’t accomplish during the previous year or how the world feels a little (or a lot) crazy or I can write about all the things I’m deeply grateful for and all that I’m ready to tackle in the coming 12 months and for the next 10 years as I enjoy a new decade stretching before me.
I have similar feelings about beginning a new journal - be it a writing journal or an Art Journal. It can be anything I want it to be. I can pour out my emotions. Or I can paint a picture of the life I am excited about. Or I can write or create for no purpose whatsoever. I choose!
During this recorded Live Stream, I cracked open a journal that I’ve had in my creative space for at least a year. (If you want to jump right to the project, scroll over to 42:30) The only thing I’d done for this journal was to create a removable cover. If you’re interested in that process, you can see how I made it here. So, I pulled out a big tub of scraps that are too good to throw out but not good enough for much on their own, and randomly began attaching them to Page 1. That in itself is a brave thing for me to do. I rarely begin a new journal on the first page. Why? I could make a mistake, you know. Indeed and as you look at this page, what do you see? 🙂 You see a big ole mistake!!
Is it really a mistake? Or is it reminding me that flexibility is part of life? A long time ago, one of the most important teachers I’ve ever encountered taught me about not judging my life experiences. He told me a story about a man who judged every experience as it happened. “Oh, this is very bad. . .” and “Oh, this is the best thing that ever happened to me. . .” In each case as time elapsed the man gained perspective and his attitude changed. The “bad” thing turned out to be a huge positive for him and the “best” thing proved to be deeply challenging. The moral of the story: Being present in the moment and experiencing it is far more beneficial than passing judgment. (I always did love a story with a good moral. Harken back to the books of fairy tales my mother read to me.)
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I’d love to read about your “mistakes” in your journals. Feel free to leave your comments below.
I’m planning to reinstate Drama-free Fridays on a weekly basis - at least for a while. Please come join me at 2pm Eastern and let’s see what happens next in this journal. I love chatting with you and answering your questions. See you soon!
Remember to Get Creative today. It’s Easy!
Barb
PS - Become a member of HowToGetCreative.com for dozens of creative arts videos. There are full-length classes with fully illustrated class notes. There are short Tips ’n Tricks videos and BONUS Classes and so much for you to discover and enjoy. We’d love to have you join us!
PS - See me paint a hand-carved wooden Santa Ornament or watch me create our traditional Sweet Petals. Yummy!
