Why You Need To Journal In 2015 + A Giveaway!

"JOURNAL WRITING IS A VOYAGE TO THE INTERIOR." ― Christina Baldwin

I've been journaling off and on for years and recently, I've taken up a new form of journaling. And in all of this time, I've learned a few things about the process and why we should all give it a go.

SLOW DOWN // STRESS RELIEF
It doesn't matter what kind of journaling you're doing (daydream journaling, bullet journaling, art journaling, etc.) the physical act of journaling slows you down. When you are writing by hand, your body responds with slow and regulated breathing. And with your breathing calmed and your hand slowly moving across the page, your mind isn't allowed to run all over the place and is forced to focus. This focus and stillness, even for just a few minutes, can do wonders in alleviating stress.

REMEMBER WHY YOU ARE BRILLIANT
You have brilliant ideas; we all do. The only difference is a lot of us often forget those ideas. We have those ah-ha! moments in the shower, on the commute to work, while grocery shopping, etc. and before we've gotten to a place where we can finally sit down and note the idea--- it's gone. Charlotte Bronte used to keep a journal by her bed and attributed more then one brilliant idea to dreams she'd had. I myself have found that carrying a journal or two around at all times lets me brainstorm, dream & plan, which has proven useful quite a few times-- Clever Darling was an idea I had while sitting in a cafe.

LAUNCH YOUR CREATIVITY
It's important to note and remember that while the more traditional method (pen paper personal thoughts and feelings = journaling) does work, in the end it's your journal. You can doodle, paste images in, paint, make messes, write lists, daydreams, or anything you want. The point is to do it. This unlimited freedom and endless personal customization gives you the all-clear to experiment. The fact that it also cannot judge you is hugely motivating for many people. If you spell something wrong or make a mistake or have a fit and draw angry red Xs on your boss's face, it's ok because it's your journal. ;)

NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY...
To help you jump-start your 2015 journal, I'm going to be sending one of you darlings a little package of goodies. In it you'll find:

Five Minute Journal, ($30) to help you focus on the good, with weekly challenges, inspiring quotes, a beautifully simple design. "It's been proven...that shifting your focus to the positive can dramatically improve your happiness."
Kate Spade Purse Sized Floral Journal, ($6-12) for you to throw in your bag and keep track of those brilliant ideas that pop up.
PonyBrown Postage Stamp Stickers, ($3) for you to decorate & play with! Because a cute journal just makes everything better :)
1 Hello Kitty Gel Pen & 3 Kate Spade Bow Paper-Clips, to use in your journal or to use to stage pretty photos when sharing on social media ;)
2 full roles of wash tape, one bunny rabbits & the other little woodland critters, for you to decorate with & to tape things into your journal-- like ticket stubs, photos, magazine clippings, etc.

Follow the directions below to enter & may the Force be with you, darlings! xx