Something I recommend in Writer Wellness is looking back through old journals we’ve written. It’s a meta-cognitive exercise that actively engages our minds with the path we’ve taken while giving us a hint of where we could be headed. I don’t mean to sound contradictory or psychic. Reviewing what we’ve written in our journals is just a good healthy way to check in and see what’s missing and give ourselves the opportunity to think about how to fill in the gaps of life. For instance, I have looked back through journals I kept for 2011 and realized that something I enjoy is spending time with friends and I don’t get enough of it. I also noticed that I wrote about wanting to do more leisure activities such as attending sports events which I really love. Now I make time for more of these things in my life and consciously tell my inner critic that I don’t HAVE to have the toilets clean and all the laundry done before I can go out and play. Consequently I had a marvelous latter half of the 2011 because I didn’t miss a home football game at the college where I teach, and I invited seven friends out to lunch at the same time, and we had a splendid time!
Here’s your challenge. Look back on the year 2011 in your mind and in your journals or on your calendars before you trash them and identify something missing in your life that you want to change. Tell me about it in a comment to this post no later than next Thursday, Jan. 12, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a month of personal Writer Wellness coaching with me via email. And if you don’t have a copy of the book, that’s yours too. So look back on your life as you’ve kept track of it and decide what steps you want to take to make the path you’re on brighter and healthier. I’m here to help.
There are five primary areas of practice to the Writer Wellness plan. Every other week I will post an idea for relaxation (Monday Meditation,) creative play (Tuesday Tickle,) fitness and exercise (Wednesday Workout,) journaling and misc. (Thursday Thought,) and nutrition (Friday Feast.)
Meanwhile, remember to look for a digital or print copy of Writer Wellness, A Writer’s Path to Health and Creativity at Who Dares Wins Publishing, http://whodareswinspublishing.com.
And check out these great blogs for ideas to keep your writing and publishing healthy and prosperous.
http://writeitforward.wordpress.com/ Bob Mayer
http://jenniholbrooktalty.wordpress.com/ Jenni Holbrook
http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/ Kristen Lamb
http://inspiration4writers.blogspot.com/ Inspiration for Writers, Inc.
http://pentopublish.blogspot.com/ Natalie Markey
http://amyshojai.com Amy Shojai
Check out my new website Joy E. Held
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Be well, write well
Joy, how timely–I was doing just that yesterday–going through my daybook to remember events. A nother good way to do it is to write a Christmas letter–amazing what events you forget! Once I came across letters I’d written to my mother my freshman year in college. What a revelation!
What a GREAT GIFT idea! It’s so easy to forget the little things and the days. Keeping journals is the first step. Looking back is one of the ways journaling can become a health maintenance tool. Some people think journaling is so much work. Put in what you have and you’ll get back what you need!
The Mom letters sound like a real treasure to me.
With this comment you’re entered in the drawing for a month of email coaching and a free copy of WW! Good luck.
I’ve been reviewing my blog over the past year. It’s a great way to evaluate change and if that change is good–or if a new direction is needed.
I’m not good with journaling, but I sometimes get down about putting off time with friends for a simple cup of coffee. I’ve also been trying to keep the paperwork I bring home to a minimum and getting back into writing–as opposed to writng-rlated–activities. It all keeps coming back to balance. Thanks for the offer of such a nice prize and for getting me to think about this in the first place 🙂
Joanna & Amy, Thanks for dropping by. You could be a winner!!! Check back Friday to find out.
Hugs!
Thanks, Joy. Hugs to you too 🙂