Have you begun the adventure of journaling? I hope so. If not, today is a good day to start. I’ve been looking at quotes about journaling found a few that might fuel your spirit and inspire you to give this a try.

Today, I’ll share two more suggestions to foster your creativity and encourage you to consider topics you may want to write about.

Lesson 3 – What do you think?

Writing Off Text                                                                                                                         This is one of my favorite ways to jumpstart my journal. Normally, I journal in the morning, after I read the “thought for the day” in two or three of my inspirational books. Sometimes, a quote, a line or even a word resonates with me.  When that happens, I copy it at the top of my page and write my reflection. This practice has taken me on unimaginable inner journeys. I’ve surprised myself with the insights, solutions or simple wonders that come to the surface. Sometimes, it leads me to memorizing the quote, so I can etch it in my heart and head. In a tough situation, these quotes can come in handy.

This week, pay attention to that novel you’re reading, a quote you heard from TV or the movies, a line from the newspaper, a word that stands out for you. Just jot it down or bookmark it so it is at the ready when you begin to journal. It’s fun, it’s surprising and often yields remarkable insights or lessons.

Make a Timeline: This is one of the techniques I learned back in 2004, when I took the Pennsylvania Writing and Literacy Project course. I’ve used it personally and in the classroom with great success. Here’s how it works…

1. Think of a topic   Here are some examples, hairdos, shoes, cars, vacations, major life events, teachers, friends – You get the idea, the sky’s the limit.
2. Make a timeline, jotting down a word or phrase related to the topic.

Here’s a personal example:   CARS

     1967                   1968                     1970                1971                   1977

  Red Rambler/Green Dodge/White Corvair/Orange Vega/Buick Station Wagon

These are the cars I had in my late teens and early twenties. Believe me when I tell you every one of them carries a story. Kids love this activity because it’s often hard for them to find a focus. Obviously, it can prompt not only a powerful journal entry, but fodder for a personal narrative. It’s a fun exercise and I urge you to give it a try.

Time is marching on and continuing to practice social distancing is not getting easier. Please stay well and stay busy. The day will come when we can safely share time with loved ones face-to-face. Remember that I am giving away two copies of Present Not Perfect at the end of the month. I’ll randomly select from new followers that have joined in April and Nurturing Literacy followers that have been around for a while. Thanks for your support.

Here’s a few book suggestions to help you pass the time while you’re sheltering-in-place:

ADULTS:  Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann   My husband started to read this and suggested I give it a try. I’m only about 20% along, but it’s true murder mystery, involving the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma during the 1920’s. Ultimately, there is a tie-in to the FBI at that time. My husband is enjoying it and I have to constantly remind him not to spoil it for me when he rambles on about it. The subject matter is different for me. I don’t know too much about Indian life in our country and I’m finding it unique and fascinating. Maybe you will, too.

Youngsters (Grade 5 and up)  Blended by Sharon Draper, is a moving story of a young girl living with the turmoil of her parents’ divorce. Sharon Draper “keeps it real” and I would highly recommend this poignant, realistic and sometimes humorous story.