Angst

The next time I'm in Seattle, I'm going to the Salon of Shame. From the website:

"The idea is simple: Seattleites stand before you and read their middle school diary passages, high school poetry, unsent letters, and other bits of horribly shameful, and inadvertently hilarious adolescent writing. Founded in 2005, the Salon is cathartic for readers and hilarious for listeners. Everybody wins when it comes to embarrassment!"

I get anxiety when I even think about my journals from junior high, so I've got to stand up and applaud for people who can get up and read from them.

(Image via paperbackwriter)

Journal

Trying a new journaling method. Rather than write complete sentences, I write phrases under four different categories: Thinking, feeling, doing, wanting/wishing. This technique, at least today, has loosened up my brain by not requiring me to compose sentences. Phrases that come to mind are immediately written down instead of being processed first. The layout of the page looks different and it seems to be stimulating new, creative thoughts. The categories are broad enough that I don't feel restricted.

Moleskine

Everything they say about these little notebooks is true. I love the paper, the weight in my hand, the perfectly ruled pages. My journaling isn't any more profound, but it's certainly satisfying to write in that pleasant little book.

My Journal, My Mind

I've been keeping a journal since I was 14. Once a notebook is filled it goes in a plastic bin in the closet under the stairs, never to be seen again. I keep writing in it because it helps me deal with stress and process my life, not because I have any deep thoughts or plans for world peace. Filled notebooks are never touched again--the thought of reliving all of that angst makes me antsy and a little bit queasy.

Recently I haven't been satisfied with my journaling. It was starting to feel like a whine-fest every time I sat down to write. Two articles have sparked some inspiration:

An Introduction to Journal Writing

Brian Learns to Read

For years I've been using some form of spiral-bound notebook, but my new plan/paradigm for journaling requires a change of vehicle, so I have jumped on the Moleskine wagon.