A few years ago I had a bad experience with therapy that left me dealing with everything on my own. My therapist turned out to be someone who wanted to do me harm and when she was found out I was left alone to deal with the consequences. As a result of this I found I couldn't talk about what I was going through, the only thing I felt was fear, I couldn't laugh, cry, talk, write or express anything I was so scared. It was then I discovered art journaling.
Art journaling is a creative way of keeping a personal journal. Journaling can help you to deal with issues and can be a place to let off steam, deal with unwanted thoughts and it can also be very relaxing. Doing it in a creative way can help you to express things you have no words for and gives it another dimension. This is how it helped me, I started by watching youtube videos of others doing it and I just took a pen and scribbled, that was it. After time I began to draw shapes and add other mediums as I became stronger and more able to express my deeper emotions. I started to incorporate words, sayings and quotes too. I found I started to enjoy playing with the materials so I felt safer and more able to express without realising it. It's a great way of hiding words as well that maybe you don't want others to see it can help overcome bad feelings by writing them out and painting over them with a more positive thought, this is great for bringing anything to a close that you are working through. It is a great opportunity to learn about yourself and have a go at new techniques and ideas in a safe and private environment. You don't have to be any good at art to do this. It is something anyone can do.
It can be a visual diary, a record of events, or just somewhere for you try out new techniques
and ideas for projects. It is also a good place to celebrate the good in your life, remember nicer times and the small moments that would otherwise be overlooked or forgotten. The only limit to keeping a creative journal is your imagination.
This does mean that approaching a journal can be a daunting task. If you decide it's something you want to try, here are some ways to get started with your pages while you think about what you want to write about or draw.
You can stick images into your page, anything that takes your fancy; you can always write or paint over them later. You can paint to just get some colour onto there, any paint will do, the point is to play and experiment. You don’t have to use a paintbrush to get it on, drip it, flick it, or stamp it on using anything you find such as corrugated cardboard, bubble wrap or a plastic fork. At first you may think that you are making mistakes but as time goes on you realise that the mistakes is where the magic happens. Plus these techniques help you let go and have fun. If you don’t know what to do after then just move onto the next page, if you want to go back later you can. Journaling in this way can be very rewarding and enjoyable. The best way to learn is just get stuck in and have a go, don’t get disheartened if you are unhappy with what you are creating, remember you can always paint over it. But also remember that whatever you express is a part of you and what you soul needed to express in that moment nothing you do is ever wrong in your journal.
Art journaling can be a lot of fun and help you de-stress. I have a few fun techniques over on My Blog that may help you get started plus I have a few examples of my own pages in the gallery on my blog as well. You don't need to have lots of materials if all you have is a pen and paper you can get started, see my post on Doodling to see what I mean.
Art Journaling really did change my life, it gave me the confidence to write for a magazine, start studying art and start creating things using my own imagination and trying my own techniques. It also helps me deal with anything in my life I am finding hard and helps me deal with the consequences of living with a disabling illness, something the therapy didn't achieve, it gave me great confidence knowing I have done that by myself, for myself.
About the Author
Hannah Blavins is author of the blog Span's Studio where she discusses her creative pursuits and using her creativity to live a full and happy life despite living with a chronic condition. She has written for British publications such as Popular Crafts magazine and, more recently, Make and Craft. She is currently studying from home for a creative arts degree and she enjoys trying new things and exploring new ways to express her creativity.
If you want to learn how journaling can help you tackle life's challenges and use journaling to boost your creativity and confidence, please download the free eBook, The Journaling Guide to Manage The Stress and Strains of Life.
A daily Morning Pages practice is a key component of better physical and mental health, greater energy, and an overall feeling of well-being. Our 12 Day Guide to Morning Pages self-paced journaling course is a gentle introduction to this daily habit that will change your life.
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