Grace & Salt ink

It’s been fifty days since I last journaled. And even that was a bit of a scrappy attempt.

I’ve been distracted, lots of other things going on demanding my attention. Not necessarily a bad thing, but I know journaling is a really good thing. So I need to reset my priorities again, refocus and make time for the things I know are good and helpful. Like hanging out with the people that bring you life, journaling and creating… that’s probably my top three, and two of those have been missing recently! So today I’m clearing the study and making sure there’s room to create again, write again etc. The question is, do I carry on from half way through this journal or start a fresh? 🤔 What do you do to get out of a journaling flunk (if you ever have them!?)

I posted the above on Instagram and was really moved by the response from my journaling community. The number of positive and encouraging comments I received on this one post was really quite moving.

My dear friend Lina, @agirlwithajournal commented “In the middle of one. First year of teaching exams is getting to me. I started a new one in may and only wrote like 5 times so far but I am determined to complete it no matter how long it will take me” – well if journaling Queen Lina can get into a journaling flunk, there is hope for us all.

@PlannerUK commented “I would say do whatever feels right to get you back in the swing of it again! No guilt, just go with your gut! And come to @journalfestuk again if you need to get re-inspired! I would say just go gently and easy on yourself, no pressure 🩷” – funnily enough I had already been looking at booking into Journal Fest again this year, last year was so much fun and very inspiring.

@the_journaling_queen commented “I think any time journaling is a win. Even a couple of minutes. If I feel uninspired, I paint a page….I think I got that from you! 🥰 I definitely think carrying on with the same journal is the answer. X” And I was really encouraged to know advice I’d given previously was still helping someone with their journaling!

My dear @sarahthemoodler commented “I’d go with what feels right for you. I’m learning to embrace the gaps in my journal as their own story, and add photos if I have any!” – embracing the gaps, as their own story! I really loved this idea so much.

@Kiminthemitten commented “The ebb and flow of a journal, I’m the same way! I figured out that for me, setting a reoccurring alarm for 10pm to remind myself to do my “3 things” has helped me remember. The 3 things: I write down my favorite thing about the day (or thankful for, it changes), something I did that helped me achieve my overarching goals (put the laundry away right away! 😆), and then something I could have done better that day. They’re usually just a sentence or two each, sometimes more when I feel like it. It’s become a nice end of the day thing for me.” The Three things bit really resonated. Despite not keeping up with my “normal journal” I have kept my thanksgiving journal going all year so far. Four bullet points a day of things I am greatful for – and that gives a good brain jog reminder of the days.

Dear @PatriciaSamms commented “Stick with it…I’m trying to be disciplined using my current journal rather than starting a new one! Welcome back…I worry when I don’t see your inspirational journalling!! 😊” Which really encouraged me too.

@KittyCatCollar commented “I feel like I’m constantly in a funk….
One thing that helps is creating a small selection of tools rather than being overwhelmed by my whole craft space. Pick out a few pens and a sheet of stickers and take the journal somewhere else. I used to be the type of person who would start a new journal to revive things, but actually there’s something about acknowledging that a journaling practice isn’t always easy by keeping with a journal even if there are gaps or times between entries. Hope that the journal magic finds you again soon.” – And I love this idea of taking myself to a different area to journal, when feeling a bit overwhelmed by the gap perhaps. To journal in the wild, is always inspirational.

@thea_l8tr commented “Just packed my journal for a sm trip and the last real entry was 2 years😩! I am going to start on the next page anyway. I teach art journaling to children, so do samples for all the students all the time but I am ready to do some art journaling for me! Good luck to you!🎨🖌“

@distantlshaw commented “I like when something has become a good and helpful habit. I also know that I need to allow myself much grace as I’m easily distracted, and these days easily tired. One of the best pieces of advice anyone ever gave me was to think of life as seasons – and each seasons has slightly different requirements, stressed, tasks and opportunities. I’m learning to go with the flow more.” – giving yourself grace, and appreciating that every season has a slightly different requirement is certainly sage advice!

@love_in_stamps commented “It depends on what I feel need. But lately I have been choosing to pick up where I left off and finish the journal. I have too many “unfinished” projects and don’t want to feel like I added another to the list. Go with what your heart is telling you. ❤️”

@thechadwickrose commented “Writing morning pages really helps me. I write continuously for 20 min… It heals my brain” and I can relate to this, to sneak downstairs and journal by myself before the rest of the house is awake is certainly a favourite time for me.

@katyunguyen commented “I just continue where I left off. You do you❤️” and I really loved this simple comment, this is what I do but have permission to do what suits you.

@createdbymeiyun commented “Thanks for sharing! I’ve also been out of journalling for a while 😢 I think carry on with this journal, you could make a new spread to separate the old from new?” – And this was pretty much what I did. I decided to carry on in the same journal, but I filled the gap with photographs – snapshots from that missing time to jog my memory, and then started to journal again.

@lesliehartstudio commented “I vote to carry on, finish what you started.” – which did seem to be the unanimous vote!