Journaling 101 with Joyce Chapman

Ways To Journal ...Techniques To Try And Use!.

2012-01-30T08:33:00.000-08:00

Let's Talk About....Writing Your Life Stories!

I love talking with people who say, I want to write my life story. Then the next sentence is often, Where should I start? If you are one of those who want, and are ready, to recapture your life experiences on paper, let’s begin!

Week 1.
This week start off by making a list, or use what I call making a cluster design, of memories you can easily recall. (Remember no editing --just write it all!) You may find yourself thinking of a time in your childhood... that was a joyful memory, or something that you would rather not remember, or meeting a person that has impacted you, and so much more!

This first writing is also going to help you write that Life Story you say you want to write.

Week 2.

Did you remember lots of memories last week? This week take time to add to those lists! Dig out some of your old photos and start going through them, When one really “speaks” to you, think of a title for that life experience and add to this growing collection...of memories you want to put into words.

My guess is that ideas, past experiences and events are...wanting to be written down. If this is true, then another easy way to expand these memories is to make a list of the characters in your stories. Then, next week we’ll build on this step!

Week 3.

What did you discover last week by making your list about the different people in your life? This week review your list and ask yourself: Do I want to include some of these people in my life stories? Then set aside time to begin capturing these memories!

Remember...I love to inspire, and offer ideas if you have any questions or want some new ideas. So feel free to write and ask! joyce@joycechapman.com

Ways to journal...techniques to use

What is Journaling 101?

2012-01-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

This blog is here for you to enjoy and to hopefully glean ideas and resources as you journal, blog or write. It is also an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, ideas and life.

I have been journaling for over 35 years now and since the day I began I have been intrigued by the fact that I never run out of things to write about! I was sure that if this habit was so powerful for me, everyone else would want to journal too. So, I invited some friends into my living room and we began writing and sharing. Then I left my living room and began to share my love of journaling with larger audiences and groups. Many, many times people have come up to me and I can feel the excitement washing over them as they begin to journal and learn more about themselves and the world around them. And I love to be part of that feeling!

One of the biggest hurdles some people face as they begin journaling is that they start off like a rocket and then often forget to put journaling on their schedule. Journaling is not necessarily keeping a "diary" but it is also not writing chapter and verse either. I know some journalers who write intermittently and others who faithfully write daily. There is no "right" way. There is only your way.

So say you have decided to have a blog - which I really consider on-line journaling that you are open to sharing - will be it your stream of consciousness or do you have bigger plans? Use Journaling 101 as your resource for ideas and conversations.

One reader wrote to me after reading my book Journaling For Joy, that the best part of reading the book and her start in journaling was that "I had introduced her to herself".

What a wonderful adventure! Learn who you are by letting yourself tell you!

In joy always,

Joyce