"The creator has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.” - Orison Swett Marden

I want to share with you the magical art of positive journaling.

“Truth is stranger than fiction,” and the strange truth about journaling is that it brings unexpected and profound treasures. When we journal (and I am not talking about keeping a diary of events, but about free-flowing, expressive writing) we confront those innermost workings of our being. In doing so, we are presented with three powerful gifts:

- Clarity

Once written, our thoughts and feelings are exposed, acknowledged and heard by us and no longer roaming around in the background of our mind, running our moods, habits, and energy levels.

They no longer frighten, confuse, or overwhelm us by their constant knock, knock, knocking at the forefront of our conscious minds, begging our attention.

Feelings and inner thoughts need to be expressed and understood. They are there to tell us something about ourselves, like what hurts us, makes us happy, or motivates us. They reveal our desires, our talents, and our dreams. They seek to give birth to purposeful goals.

If not expressed, our inner thoughts and feelings can leave us feeling unfulfilled, sad, anxious, or even depressed. A nameless void dwells endlessly within, inhibiting our abiltiy to move ahead with vision and passion, to actualize those things we want to bring into being or get rid of. Journaling uncovers a vaccum in our souls and fills it up with conscious awareness. It allows us to get crystal clear on what is going on for us, and what, if anything, needs to change.

- Vision

When we have clarity and insight we are better able to envision positive change. Ideas present themselves to us, as new dreams, desires, and goals begin to surface. A mirror stands in front of our heart, and for the first time in years we can see its reflection! Possibility, hope … and the steady beat, beat, beat of a dream is revealed. We can see it … and we know it already, because it was really always there!

Excitement of youth renews, and the secret wishes of our hearts are allowed to come alive again. Passion ignites, and determination follows. A desired career, relationship, or a vision for better health illumes on our horizon, and we burst into motivation!

And so we journal about that too!

Day by day, as we continue to write, the vision gets stronger, and we can no longer hold back.

- Plan of Action

Clarity and excitement for a vision propels us to strategize a plan of action.

And we journal about that too. What to do, how to do it, what is needed, how long will it take, who else needs to be involved if anybody, how much time it will take, etc. We identify all the steps and put together a workable, reasonable strategy.

And we write down that strategy.

We no longer need to linger in the balance of uncertainty with a dream buried deep inside of us. Journaling brings forth what is buried and masked, and it sheds new light on the grey areas of an unrealized dream. It ignites passion in us once more and renews hope for the things we truly long for.

Pick up the pen. Open the blank book. Seek to soar above stagnation, doubt, and any blockages to your inner wisdom.

If you have questions about the journaling process, and how to get the most out of your journaling experience, I welcome you to write me. Journaling is my greatest personal tool for gaining clarity and bringing dreams to fruition.

Blessings in your experiences

Verna Lee Bowen,
Author

Author's Bio: 

Author: Verna Lee Bowen, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

"Seek to Soar" is Verna's personal motto, and she proves through her writing, speaking, and coaching that we can soar above mountaintops of fear, insecurity, and perceptions of lack. We just need to come alive with heart, passion, and personal inspiration ... and take action!

Verna facilitates and leads inspirational meetings and workshops in Calgary, Alberta, through "Women's Circle - Seek to Soar!" - a group she founded as part of the vision for All Ways Inspired. The group meets bi-weekly for "Positive Journaling," a powerful and safe space in which to discuss, share, inspire, and write together, based on specific themes.

Verna has authored an inspirational e-book, Natural Inspirations E-Book , and produced Natural Inspirations Cards - inspiring writings matched with personal nature photography, on laminated cards.

She has also authored a book, these small hours - for the love of Bailey, a heart-warming account of the life of a blind rescue dog, Bailey, who taught her (and her partner, Doug) to live life without limits.

Verna has a life coaching practice, Creatively You Life Coaching, that is both dynamic and effective! With a main focus on journaling and video, she inspires a fast track to your personal success! Verna believes that "we grow the most when we are able to see ourselves and our inner thought patterns from many angles." Two of the most empowering and effective approaches to this growth are self-expression and visual observance. You will enjoy Verna's contagious enthusiasm as she passionately partners with you for your personal success!