Journaling #17: Letter Writing

Letter writing as a journaling technique is used in different ways for different reasons. Sometimes you write a letter to yourself. Sometimes you write to someone who has passed. Sometimes you write to a fictional character. This form of journaling is often referred to as Unsent Letters.
 
Letters written as part of a journaling exercise are not written to be sent or given to anyone. They are a way for you to process your experiences. They are personal. They are for your benefit. You may want to keep your letter as a reminder of your personal growth or maybe you just want to destroy it as part of moving on. Tearing a letter into a hundred little pieces can feel cathartic.
 
Letter writing is often used as a tool for processing grief. When you experience a loss there is almost always something that could have been said in the past or something that needs to be said about the future. Writing a letter can help you develop clarity.
 
Letter writing can also promote healing when you have suffered a traumatic experience. It can help you cope with anxiety and manage anger. It can help you deal with frustration. It can help you to embrace forgiveness.
 
Looking for an affirming experience? Try writing a letter to yourself. Acknowledge your personal and/or professional accomplishments. Praise and encourage yourself. Make plans for positive steps forward.
 
Letter writing as a journaling strategy helps you to organize and evaluate your thoughts. It helps you release feelings that you have buried. It helps you to develop insight. It can also promote self-reflection and self-regulation. 

Letter writing for the purpose of journaling may feel awkward when you first give it a try. Remember that you are the only person who will see this letter. You may sometimes be your own worst enemy, but you can also be your own best friend. As the mole said, “Being kind to yourself is one of the greatest kindnesses.” (1) 

It all starts with paper and pen. No fancy stationery required, although that might be fun. Salutations and closings are flexible. Spelling and grammar are not evaluated. It’s just you writing an unsent letter.

 Dear Me,

I’ve been meaning to write to you for some time now…

 

Reference:

1. Mackesy, C. (2019). The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse. First HarperOne.

#journaling

Check out other journaling posts here: Journaling Posts

🔍To return to the main page, please click on the banner at the top of this page or click on this link: Cupola Corner Blog 

Did you know...? Holly

Holly is an evergreen plant that can be a shrub, a tree or a climber. Fossil evidence indicates that the holly species has been around since the time of dinosaurs.
 
There are many different varieties of holly. Most have spiny leaves that are green year-round. Holly berries (drupes) are red, brown or black. Rarely, they can be green or yellow. Holly leaves and berries are toxic and can be fatal if ingested by children.
 
This hardy plant has made its home in many parts of the world. Unfortunately, some varieties that are produced commercially have spread into native forest habitats and are crowding out native species.
 
Holly is an important food source for birds and animals, especially in the winter. It also offers them shelter from cold and windy storms.
 
Early European cultures believed holly to be a symbol of eternal life because the leaves stayed green all winter. Holly later became a part of Christian symbolism and is associated with Jesus Christ.   
 
At Christmas when we decorate our homes with boughs of holly, we aren’t just doing it because it looks nice. We are following traditions from cultures and people all the way back to ancient times. Holly symbolizes eternal life, happiness, protection, peace, hope and good luck. All good things to celebrate at Christmas. So go ahead. Have a holly, jolly Christmas.

🔍To return to the main page, please click on the banner at the top of this page or click on this link: Cupola Corner Blog 

Journaling #16: Creating a Travel Journal

A travel journal is where you document your experiences out and about in the world. As you explore, you write.
 
Perhaps you’ve packed a suitcase or maybe a backpack. You might be day tripping. You might be a weekend warrior. If you are visiting or exploring away from your home base, consider recording your adventures in a travel journal.
 
In addition to writing about where you are and what you’re doing, you can also include photos, ticket stubs, maps, brochures and small mementos in your travel journal. Write about new discoveries and new perspectives on life &/or the world.
 
Your travel observations can be not only about the places that you visit, but also about the people whom you see or meet. People watching can help you learn about places, especially if you are experiencing a different culture or society.
 
Try using your five senses to guide your journal entries. What did you see, hear, smell, taste or touch today? Beautiful sunsets. Noisy traffic. Fragrant cherry blossoms. Sweet milk chocolate. Hot sand between your toes.
 
Emotional and cognitive experiences can also be recorded in your travel journal. Fear, surprise, anger and joy come with you as you travel. Thinking, learning and making memories are part of every travel experience.
 
Creating a travel journal is a great way to help you remember your experiences. It can be fun to look back on the places and people that were a part of your travels.
 
Travel can change you and a travel journal can help you process those changes. Gaining new perspectives and having new experiences makes you a different person. Writing can help as you integrate your past and present.
 
The next time that you jump into your car or hop onto an airplane for a travel experience, pack a notebook and give writing en route a try.

•Cupola Corner sells a selection of handmade coil bound journals that would be perfect for travel journaling.

#journaling

Check out other journaling posts here: Journaling Posts

🔍To return to the main page, please click on the banner at the top of this page or click on this link: Cupola Corner Blog 

Did you know...? Parsley

 

Parsley is from the carrot family. It is a flowering herb that is native to the Mediterranean area but is grown worldwide.
 
Parsley requires full sun and well-drained soil. Parsley is a biennial but it is usually grown as an annual. In your home garden you can harvest as you require, picking the outside leaves first.
 
Parsley can be dried and then stored in an airtight container for use throughout the winter. If you have a sunny window, you could also repot a plant and bring it inside for the winter. I have successfully grown parsley in my miniature indoor hydroponic garden.
 
Flat-leaf parsley (Italian) is used in cooking. It is used in sauces, soups and salads. I love a bit of parsley in pasta dishes. Curly-leaf parsley (French) is most often used as a garnish.
 
Parsley has lots of nutrients, is rich in antioxidants and just like its carrot cousin it helps to protect your eyes. Lots of good reasons to grow some parsley in both your indoor or outdoor gardens.
 
"Parsley - the jewel of herbs, both in the pot and on the plate." Albert Stockli

🔍To return to the main page, please click on the banner at the top of this page or click on this link: Cupola Corner Blog