A recent Commentary in the Cape Cod Times was written by Mary Schmich, a Pulitzer Prize winning columnist from the Chicago Tribune. 

The article resonated with me as a segue way to reflect and journal our thoughts of the last year. Whether you prefer the old-fashioned way of taking pen to paper or using one of the many digital applications available today, the therapeutic value of journaling is well researched and reported.

Personally, I can find any excuse to buy a new blank book, sketchbook, or journal. Fortunately, there are some nice ones that integrate both handwritten and digital integration. I often combine my notes with little sketches and love trying out all kinds of pens, pencils, and markers. Please don’t be overly concerned with your artwork as  accomplished artistic ability is not a requirement. The point is to be creative and express yourself in a personal way. Check out what Julia Cameron has to say in the Artists Way or dip into a wonderful little book Art and Fear for encouragement.

…””This is a book about making art. Ordinary art. Ordinary art means something like: all art not made by Mozart. After all, art is rarely made by Mozart-like people; essentially—statistically speaking—there aren’t any people like that. Geniuses get made once-a-century or so, yet good art gets made all the time, so to equate the making of art with the workings of genius removes this intimately human activity to a strangely unreachable and unknowable place. For all practical purposes making art can be examined in great detail without ever getting entangled in the very remote problems of genius.”- Bayles and Orland.

Julia Cameron suggests “Morning Pages” as a way to introduce one to journaling.

The bedrock tool of a creative recovery is a daily practice called Morning Pages. Julia Cameron.
“Morning Pages are three pages of longhand, stream of consciousness writing, done first thing in the morning. *There is no wrong way to do Morning Pages*– they are not high art. They are not even “writing.” They are about anything and everything that crosses your mind– and they are for your eyes only.”

With the restrictions of colder weather and the CoVid protocols for social distancing, perhaps this activity will resonate with you. The idea, if it does, is to just start. Have fun, experiment, and try not to sabotage yourself with criticism.

So, if you’re if wondering what I miss most, like Mary, seeing my friends each morning at the local coffee shop.