Keep Journaling

Years ago I learned a wonderful way to keep inspiration alive and creativity flourishing.  I read Julia Cameron's book "The Artists Way "  and it had a huge impact on me. There is even a site devoted to working it!! It's about slaying imaginary dragons that hold us back from achieving our dreams..not really but that's what I got from it.  It helped me to move past my negative demons and to go about art in a new way by turning down the volume of self-criticism.  I've discovered those voices can be loud for most women but if we exercise our spiritual right to be here then somehow the noise in our head dims.  I love what Marianne Williamson said in one of her books that noone has a corner on anything.  It was the first time I gave myself permission to pursue a career that already had extreme amounts of talent and not be intimidated.  What could I possibly contribute?  That's the voice that can kill us off in a whisper.  So today armed with beautiful affirmations and the love of our family and friends lets make beautiful things together that rock this world out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!…I believe in you!

Dressingdown

29 Responses to “Keep Journaling”

  1. Shannon says:

    You have no idea how inspiring your reminder is to me today! Thanks so much, Jennifer!

  2. Ellyn says:

    I did the Artists way several years ago & it had the same impact on me! I need to get back to journalling. Thanks for the reminder

  3. Linda read that book a few years back too, and Loved it!! so here’s a double recomendation!

  4. Erika says:

    As a former Behavior Specialist that worked with adolescents with severe emotional and behavorial disorders, I am a firm believer in the healing of journaling. I will have to check out the artists.
    And your collection of notebooks are stunning–what gorgeous sketches!

  5. Rosy Lady says:

    You are such an inspiration to me. Thank you for this lovely post. I have bought the book a few months ago but haven’t read it yet. I think it is time to pick it up.

  6. Allie says:

    Hm – I think I need to get that book – that’s what runs through my head when I try to create, it’s already been done and done better! Thanks Jennifer, you continually inspire me!

  7. Laurie says:

    Jennifer, you are so inspiring! Yes, journaling is the best! Love the polka dots peeking out, with the blue and black combo! 😉
    Happy New Year, and looking forward to your upcoming book!
    Hugs,
    Laurie

  8. Allie says:

    Thank you for a beautiful post. I think we all need these reminders from time to time.

  9. Tatania says:

    Beautiful. There are times when you need to hear (read) things like this. Today is one of those times for me.
    Thank You.

  10. Terriaw says:

    I bought that book when you held your last class on it, but I forgot to put it to use! These journals you shared with us are so inspiring and beautiful. Thanks for the reminder to use these tools to quiet the noise in my head and get started on exploring what I may have to contribute.

  11. Susan says:

    so beautifully said. i have had those sames thoughts and feelings. there are so many talented women out there i wonder how i’ll fit in and measure up. thank you.

  12. Cathy says:

    My jaw just dropped! Wow! How neat to have a little peak into your gorgeous journals! It is true about listening to the quiet still voice within…and not the negative stuff! Great thoughts Jennifer…hugs and love!!!
    ~Cathy

  13. Tabitha O. says:

    Oh those journals are totally what I would expect if I peeked into your art brain lol…I have also done the Artists Way years ago. I don’t journal but I have a collage wall of inspiration that I change out…I should start journaling again because it really does help I just have to force myself into a routine of doing it…thanks for the show!

  14. Stefanie says:

    Very well said! It can be applied to all areas of life and to everyone. Thanks for the insight!

  15. jenny fish says:

    Oh my stars look at your journals! What a treat peak! You have really encouraged me. I want to maybe possibly perhaps someday do something in the creative industry but I have the same thought, there are so many creative peeps out there, how can I compete? After all I am a geographer not a designer…. oh and I think I recently read in an online interview you did a while back that you got started when you daughter was 2.5 because you wanted to create some beautiful things for her. I so identified with your motivation! I found the interview googling Sisboom Cindy pink fabric. Go figure! Anyway, I think someone upstairs is coordinating. First the article and now your two posts. I am gonna see if my library has that book. Thank you for posting! Love you sweet Jen!

  16. I love those words! I’m planning my 1st ever Art Retreat right now and those are some of the same ideas that I want the ladies to ‘believe’ in themselves by the time they leave here. Sounds like that book would be a great read for me. thx.

  17. Vicki says:

    Great inspiration! It’s so easy to be overwhelmed by the negative stuff. Thank you:)

  18. Nancy Geaney says:

    I wish I had that kind of discipline!

  19. Aimee says:

    so glad I hopped over to your blog! what an inspirational word for me today! I so needed this….. more than you know!
    Love your heart and talent!
    In Christ, Aimee’

  20. Tammy Gilley says:

    Love this post, Jen. xot

  21. Jenean says:

    What a wonderful post to read first thing on a Monday morning! Thank you, Jennifer!

  22. Kim D. says:

    Thanks for being such an inspiration. I love your doodling in your journal books. Beautiful work!! I’m going to run out and buy the book soon.

  23. Thanks, Jenniflower. I will have to always remember that saying. It’s so easy to get intimidated and discourage!
    Best,
    Angela

  24. cathyb says:

    Jennifer,
    I too was very inspired by Julia Cameron’s book and have the same demons you talk about. But you – you are so successful and so wonderful at what you do – how can you still be questioning yourself. I have dreams to be immersed in this life of art and beautiful things 24/7 but my day job (which I need financially) keeps me so far away from that. I admire your work, the retreats you host all of it. Did you read Eat Pray Love as well – inspiring to me too.
    CathyB

  25. maigirlz says:

    You are fabulous Jennifer!! You inspire and encourage me with every post!

  26. I too love, love the Artist’s Way. I love that book!!
    I feel like Julia Cameron really “gets” me. I have been reading her books for years (pages falling out and notes everywhere) and just yesterday started again from the beginning. It’s just so soothing. Tomorrow….an artist date!! I also get overwhelmed with how good everything and everyone is at their craft/blog. But if I just concentrate on what I can do and how I love working on getting better…It gives me pride in myself. (is this too long for a comment?)
    karla

  27. Casa Pinka says:

    Julia Cameron changed my life. I’m reading the second book of The Artist’s Way right now and it is every bit as smart and poignant as the first. I used some scraps of yours to make a little necklace if you want to have a look-see. : )

  28. Aunt Spicy says:

    After a long week this was exactly what my little soul needed! Thank you for being an inspiration!

  29. oh wow! what a treat to see inside of your journals … thanks for sharing and encouraging!

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