I didn't expect you to make a whole video about my question, and I'm truly grateful ❤ I sat down with some tea and took lots of colourful notes about what you said... I think I hit a "block" because of being constantly told to "be strong" by people who seemed uncomfortable with my emotions. My mom was only in her fifties, so there's a lot of anger at how unfair it was mixed in with the grief. I'm going to use these tips to try to find a way through my feelings and keep supporting my dad while we grieve. Thank you so so much for this, Chris.
Dear @littlebadger First let me send my condolences for the loss of your dear mother. I lost my mom when I was 16 so i am no stranger to grief. The first thing my aunt, her sister, said to me when they came to tell me she passed was “you just lost your best friend “ and it was true, but looking back I see that sometimes adults don’t always say the brightest things…. Fast forward many many many years to 2 years ago when I lost my beloved husband. He was a wonderful man and truly my best friend. He was incredibly supportive of my Fountain pen hobby which really ramped up during the pandemic lockdown and he shared the fun of seeing new inks and pens when my packages would arrive. Journaling and calligraphy practice was my stress relief during the stress of the pandemic. And then when I lost him to Covid, despite all our attempts to stay safe, I couldn’t Journal or practice because it made me even more sad and i felt blocked. Then, instead of Journaling in my Hobonichi, I started writing him daily love letters. I poured out my love and my feelings of loss directly to him. It slowly went from just venting all of my pain to the realization that it was my special place where I could spend time with him and tell him about my day or how much I missed him, or a dream I had about him, or a memory I had of him, or a picture I found of him. Some days, if I am too sad or depleted from grief I just draw lots of hearts in colorful inks and try to make it pretty for him. It’s been 2 years and i still write him nightly letters in my journal, and I look forward to our time together. In this way I keep my connection with my sweet husband and best friend. And i can express all the words that the people around don’t want to hear. Grief frightens people on the outside. They find it hard to cope with someone’s grief, they don’t know what to say and some people get scared of your grief because if they still have their loved one, they don’t want to think about losing that person and you are a reminder of that possibility. I think in your case you can share moments with your mom in heaven, tell her how much you love and miss her and tell her how your dad is doing and it will help you too in helping your dad cope. I recently saw on a fountain pen website that there was a man who was writing letters to his wife that passed, and i was surprised because i thought i was the only one who did that. If possible maybe encourage dad to write letters to your mom to express some of the feelings of love that he never got to share. I hope maybe this helps in some way, and I send you love and prayers that you find comfort in whatever you decide to do. Don’t let anyone tell you how you have to be or act especially in regard to grief. 🙏 ❤️
Oh my gosh I'm so sorry ... that is so young and I would imagine this creates a very complicated grief for you and for your Dad. Well meaning advice .... about being strong is tough ... people do have an awful time being with the suffering and emotions of others .... and I think we are conditioned as women to hold it together at all times for everyone else too. I was happy to make this video and very hopeful that it would help you in some small way!!!! Be well and just know that I'm sending positive vibes your way. ~Chris~
@littlebadger🙏🩷grief is so individual and everyone walks through it in their own way, and in their own time. I understand that people think it is helpful to encourage others to "be strong", but it is important to allow yourself to feel your feelings. Praying for you and your family 🩷🙏
@@littlebadger my mom died in her sixties and I got told that about her being too young, I have had some time to think about it and think it’s just that folks don’t want to think of their own mortality and so anyone can have passed too young. Your feelings are yours and your dad’s are his. The feelings are valid. It’s all okay to feel. It’s what you do with them that makes the difference. For example, anger can lead to destruction or advocacy for self or others. Same emotion and energy, just different outcomes and therefore consequences for everyone involved.
My deepest condolences to the question asker, and everyone else going through devastating grief today. My deepest grief was helped by the sweeping of my kitchen floor in that it was the only thing I could do daily, and I was able to write it on my bullet journal for the day, and then cross it off when it was done, and so I was able to create a series of days with little good things. It was also the first thing that I did each day to get my dopamine dose earlier in the day and then everything else was gravy in the day.
This came at the perfect time for me. Thank you Chris. My journaling completely halted after losing our cat in June. I’d just moved as well, and left friends behind, and felt so lonely, and everything that was hiding came to the surface. I kept feeling the urge to reach for my journal but the thought of having to stew in my negative thoughts deterred me. Last night I finally wrote a few pages (just stream of consciousness) and what came out was mostly “negative”, but it was a reminder that my journal is there for me no matter what.
Hi @kenzaplenty -- I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved cat. Those losses are just so devastating ... and it sounds like yours was complicated by many other stressors happening around the same time. It is so comforting that our journal is always there for us. When I experienced the loss of my cat Meena I got comfort from a book: Soul Comfort for Cat Lovers by Liz Eastwood ... prior to reading that book I was really at a low place. I'm wishing you comfort and peace and hope that writing will bring you those gifts!
Thank you, Chris. I just stumbled across your channel tonight. I’m 71, have written and journaled for many years (since I was 7, when I received a little diary with a lock on it for Christmas. “I ate oatmeel today. I hated it.” “I hate skool.” That kind of diary.) I lost my 24-year-old son 17 years ago, and lost all creative juices along with him. I’ve tried to write, and haven’t even been able to journal, beyond a few dribbles every few years. Now I am writing more, whether just “Morning Pages,” aka “Mental Floss,” or a page each morning from my Bible reading. I looked over the blog I began years ago, and am thinking of trying to resurrect it a bit. My husband has congestive heart failure, severe visual impairment and can’t drive or see to do much, and also has Parkinson’s disease. My life is consumed a lot with caregiving I’m grateful I’m healthy enough to do, my sleep is interrupted, and my days are also unpredictable and chaotic. But I have a tote bag I always have with me, and have put notebooks, journal, colored pens, and Kindle into it so I can always read or write. This video has spawned some new ideas and ways to “just write.” Just to keep the stream flowing at all right now is my goal; I am writing something every day, even in the chaos. You are inspiring me, and this felt like a “kitchen table” talk, encouraging me to just let creativity always find a crack to get through, keep my pen on paper, and also the “glue book” idea is brilliant. To just keep “making something,” and if I am so down or depressed or blocked that I can’t write, I can at least just open a notebook and do anything creative with color, textures, cut-out cards, quotes, etc. Just make a “happy book,” even if it also has some dark clouds glued in. Thank you -- I’m subscribing!
Hi @maryl.7226 - hi and welcome to the channel! Oh gosh, first, I am so sorry for your loss of your son ... ! You're dealing with so much ... I am so glad that writing and creating is part of your life now because I know from experience that it will help. As we get older, care giving is so challenging but it is such a blessing when we can still do it. I was so blessed to meet and work with a very creative person locally who really taught how much creativity matters especially during the hardest of times. I find that it takes me out of my thoughts and somehow relieves a lot of the anxious worry over what may be next. Color has been so much a part of that for me too .... the artist I worked with had 4 colors that were her absolute favorite and I found that so interesting that those colors were almost like a signature. The longer I write and splatter with fountain pen inks the more I realize what my primary "happy" colors are and I really enjoy the lift color gives me even if I don't form actual words with it! :) Glad you found us here and hope you'll continue to find ways to let creativity in. :)
I keep a "stream of consciousness journal" where I pour out my feelings, insecurities, financial stress, anything, unrefined, and sometimes positive, it's not all bad. I give myself permission to destroy the journal when I reach the end. This has freed me up to be candid, avoid editing and just write. 🔥📒 The physical quality is a notebook I don't care for and would not have a connection with. I also have a page at the beginning explaining the purpose of the journal for context, in the event it is lost or I decide to keep it. This topic is very similar to the concept and practice of Morning Pages.
Hi Joseph - oh wow I do that too -- mark the beginning of the journal explaining what it's about ... because I thought: what if I croak before I get to burn or shred it. LOL Oh yes, that's true .... Morning Pages and Julia Cameron's ideas do run very similar!!!!
@@ChrisSaenz13 The thought, damn what if my spouse reads this. Fortunately she already knows I'm a high anxiety wreck and use journaling to clear my head. :D
Chris, you're in danger of turning into a national treasure - no, INTERnational treasure! Many thanks for being so open about your journalling. It has helped just explain to me what journalling is all about, or at least what it can be about. Certainly I would agree wholeheartedly about the human need to be creative, no matter what form that takes. I do paintings by number and get such a lift from it.
LOL well ... some days it feels like I'm in danger of becoming an antique but thank you. Gosh, I used to do paint by number when I was younger and it was such fun. I have not seen any of those recently or maybe they are different now but when I was about 10 or 12 I had a kit with tiny little paint containers and the paint by number canvas. What a nice memory!!!!
Wow! Talk about perfect timing! Your video certainly hit the mark. For a few months I’ve been unable to summon the mental or even physical energy to write. I’m used to journaling DAILY! It basically started when I began to suffer all these unrelated physical ailments. I was getting more down, and couldn’t bring myself to even write about the issues. Now that I am recovering a bit, the desire to write is slowly coming back. With your video on tips to write thru these issues and brain dump, I know that I can use the writing to actually help me. To see it as a treatment, not an obligation. Thank you so much Chris. You are an enduring presence, even when I stepped away from fountain pens, and writing, and many things that brought me joy. I’m glad to be back, and see that you are still here, as always, a dear pen friend thru the ether. ❤️🙋♀️🖋️ Hugs!
Hi @karma13612 ... oh I'm just so glad to hear this .... and I love what you said about this being "a treatment, not an obligation" .... that is so wise ..... !!!!! My Mom is always saying "I get to _______" not "I HAVE to ________". The way you stated it resonates with me a lot. Happy writing!!!!!!
Your words are so significant. I love what you’re saying. I haven’t made many videos lately and I think I may respond about this, too. You did a great job AND you inspired me in my video making block
Hi Julie!!!! It's so nice to "see" you here! The writing tips and lessons I learned from you have continued to inspire me across several years ... I'm very grateful for the things you taught me!!!! :)
I’m kind of Happy that I came across this one of your videos Cris because I’m recently starting to make my recovery from A Case Of Health Anxiety that was caused by me Unexpectedly Poisoning My Mind By Watching Stuff Here On UA-cam That I Just Should’ve Skipped!😓
Oh -- I know how that can be! I call those the "dark alley's" that I suddenly find myself in. Information is great but it's exhausting to sort the truth from fiction and the trash from treasure these days! :)
Adding on your thoughts on negative emotions and messy writing, we should all be more aware that negative emotions also have a purpose and we need to acknowledge them and allow ourselves to feel them. You can read (and even better listen to) Brené Brown on the power of vulnerability. Journaling is the safest place to be vulnerable and reflect on the hardships you are going through and I have found it's easier then for me to move on and not linger on those negative emotions.
If I couldn’t journal I think I would die. If I’m away for the house without a notebook I will scribble on scrapes of paper and add it to my journal when I get home. It’s therapeutic. There has never been a situation that I can write my way out of. Yes I have days when I don’t want to write but I at least thank the universe for all my blessings and the safety of my love ones. Chris this is a great video. Those of us who know, know what you’re trying to say and we all go through it. Keep em coming Sis I’m here for it all.
I sure hear you! I too NEED to write ... sometimes I go back and water/splat over it because the writing itself has lowered the tension and built up stress enough I don't always need to "keep" the words. LOL :)
I sound a little out of place here, but Always Remember that in Times Of Hopelessness And Struggle those are the times when you should go to whichever church you can get access to and Pray To God🙏🏻 To Request Assistance And Healing From Him for whatever the situation may be!😊🙏🏻
I love my brain dump notebooks. They take away the fear or hesitation of journaling. Glad you mentioned adult coloring. If there is anything that relaxes me it’s adult coloring…there’s something meditative about it.
Thanks so much for making this video. I agree with everything you said! It's so important and necessary to meet our demons. I journal all the darker stuff and then have a separate gratitude journal. I really like your advice of doing the dark stuff before doing the gratitude. I will try that!
Hi @judyle4893 -- I learned that from the writer friend I was talking about, Julie Jordan Scott. I can remember thinking very poorly at the beginning of writing sessions but by the end of them I could always find a good deeper gratitude to write at the end of my brain dump!!!! :)
This totally helped and inspired me Chris. Thank you.!! And Darn it Manuel, behave yourself.!!! Stop overdoing things you know you shouldn’t be doing. I know how hard that is to give up ur independence for health issues, but in the big picture & in the long run, you will be better off listening to ur doctors advice and ur beautiful smart wife.!! 💖💖
Hi Donna lol he got off easy because it did turn out he fixed a pole saw and so the work was not as taxing but still ... that was a calculated move to sneak out there as soon as I started recording lol. :) I can sympathize more with him right now because I'm restricted too as my ribs heal. But I still gave him a nice little scolding.
Thank you: I've beeen in a journaling slump for a few weeks and my mood has suffered, your video was exactly what I needed to hear to make me reach for my journal and fountain pens. I didn't want to journal negativity, yet I know that I can work my way out of a mindset by writing, I appreciate the reminder! I hope your zettelkasten is developing nicely, I have recently started one. 📚
Hi @starflash8316 I can always tell if I've neglected writing even for one day because I'm just less focused and more tense. I've got my Zettelkasten set up fully even though so far I'm using mainly the bibliography section ... long term I'm not sure if I'm up to the task of creating one of real value but I'm thinking it's worth the try!!!!!!
Thank you Chris for your reminders about what is the heart of this hobby and that is writing. Collecting pens and inks and swatching colours is a lot of fun but writing is our meditation and therapy and keeping it up in good and bad times is important. I really appreciate your down to earth approach as well as your honesty and openness.
Hi @slskene thank you! It is at times hard to stay focused on the main point of writing with all the beautiful shiny objects and the new inks etc coming into our awareness but it's so much more rewarding to just write!!!!! :)
Thank you for this video, Chris. I journal but am hesitant to write negative feelings. You’ve opened a door for me with ink splats and or mind mapping. Hope your husband stays safe. It’s frustrating to be told you shouldn’t do certain garden activities! I’ve hit that stage, too. Also hope you’re healing physically and mentally from your fall.
Hi @mizquilter it turned out good for my husband ... he got our old pole chainsaw started so he was able to buzz off the shaggy palm limbs very easily and trimmed our other umbrella tree too ... maybe I won't have to saw with a hand saw anymore lol. I do feel better from my fall ... it took 2 full weeks for me to be able to stay in bed the entire night ... due to being so uncomfortable in one position but I'm finally able to sleep decent again and move better. I'm moving a lot slower and more carefully! :) I hope you're able to do activities that you want to do ... !!!! It's frustrating when we meet with limitations!
Chris…..so pleased to find your channel. I’m 75 years old and have been an artist/writer most of my life. You are truly inspiring to me at this time because it’s been an extremely difficult past year due to serious health issues. My art is my medicine and a gift I share with others. You have inspired me to start journaling, I have so many empty ones I have collected for a long time. You are a wonderful person and I love pen-pals. I also teach calligraphy, which is fun. Take care……cannot wait to see more of your episodes.❤🙏🎨
Hi @cheriose6660 - hi and welcome to the channel! I love using fountain pens for "art" mostly just for writing and using a water brush to add even more color with boxes around my writing etc. Art and writing are so healing ... take care and I wish you the very best in staying healthy and cheerful!!!!!! :)
I had a chuckle 😂😂 at Manuel sneaking out into the garden whilst you were occupied recording this video. He probably thought that you'd be so engrossed and not notice. Hope that he didn't over exert himself. I tend not to do journalling, but have done so on occasions. The last one I did, was when covid started, and going into lockdown. I actually found the journalling very therapeutic, and poured out all my emotions onto those journal pages. I stuck things in, ink stamped, doodled, and did allsorts to decorate the written pages. With living alone, I guess that journal was a way of venting all the emotions that I was feeling at that time. However, a few months back when I was having a clearout, I threw that journal away, but later regretted doing so 😢. I've always tended to go for walks to 'clear' my head etc., when I've been feeling a bit down, or have problems to work through etc. These days I'm unable to do that (going for a ride on my mobility scooter doesn't work) but haven't turned to journalling. Instead, I'll look up certain topics on the internet (usually mainly to do with history) and start researching......I really ought to document what I find out 😂. It is a well known fact that art in any medium or form is very therapeutic. So splattering ink, doodling, decorating journal pages, colouring, etc etc., does really help. Have a great weekend.
Hi Annie -- it turned out that somehow Manuel got the old pole chainsaw started .... I thought it was broken beyond repair ... so the actual cutting was made into an easy job and I only had to encourage him to take a break before moving and cutting up the branches and palms .... he was sweating like the dickens but YES he knew to do that job when I was preoccupied ... !!!! LOL That's so interesting that you mentioned regretting throwing away the journal ... I've had that experience in the past ... wishing I had not thrown away my older journals. They were certainly minefields of "process and negativity" at times but it would be nice just to see how much I've changed/progressed so I do regret shredding them! I've been turning back to my 2020-2022 writings in my bullet journal and long form journal a lot lately ... some similar level stress was being kicked up by this contentious and scary pre-election stuff we're experiencing! I get to read how I coped with the lockdown and the covid madness. :)
@ChrisSaenz13 That's great that Manuel got the old chain saw working....I'm sure that made the task so much easier. I can understand him still wanting to do garden jobs etc. It's hard to give up doing things, even though we know we're not supposed to. They sometimes show some of the pre election campaigning, etc., over here in the news. They sure do go to town a lot more than the political parties do here.
All 10 of your points are just great. The one that was totally brand new to me is the idea of not using one of my ultra fancy, expensive journals to write in my dark thoughts. This is going to be most helpful to me personally. Thankyou very much for this video
Hi Carol -- oh awesome!!! I actually picked up that idea from Julie Jordan Scott too ... I noticed when I was watching her live streams years ago that she was using very humble spiral notebooks for the brain dump sessions we were doing on Periscope. That was when I realized I'd do a lot better with messy brain dump writing in a cheap notebook!
@@ChrisSaenz13 I love the way you worded this! Yes, a humble notebook would be more conducive to letting it all out. Since I am almost 80, there are writings I would not want my “heirs” to see. I already have a big box of writings that I labeled “private, destroy upon death” from my years of journaling. The other day I found it empty so maybe I already dumped it and forgot!
Thank you for making this video. I tend to do my process journaling in the notebook I use for my morning pages because I don’t keep those. I like the idea of a glue book!
Hi @FranM6179 the glue book has been fun and I like that I just glue things in out of order and wherever they fit ... I've been working on that one for a long time off and on. :)
Hi Carol - this makes me very grateful that I preempted my other video plans and made the video my heart wanted me to do!!!! :) I hope you experience much easier times and that your writing gives you comfort and peace!!!!
I'm a devastated new widow. I'm so grateful for my journals. It's been a place to process so many feelings. And for me to begin to clear the memories of him being so sick and full it back in with all the joy and gratitude for the 30 happiest years of my life with him. Some day I can't think about my own feeling so I just write him a letter to tell him everything that's going on with people he loved and was close to. It understandable to have trouble writing in harder times but it's worth picking up your pen and just let it flow.
Hi Tracy - I am so sorry for your loss. Your words will inspire others ... because if you can pick up your pen and write during this time ... anyone can and it could help. Thank you for commenting especially at a time like this! ~Chris~
Really helpful tips here Chris, thanks for sharing. I have big gaps from times that were really rough and like you I do wish I’d just even written a few lines or doodled or painted so I had more “breadcrumbs”. But of course there are times when we are truly stuck. I too find ink swatching and doodles very relaxing and therapeutic. Other times I look for poetry or quotes that reflect how I’m feeling and transcribe it into a commonplace notebook. This really helps me, because it can take me out of myself. It was so funny when you spotted Manuel outside - I have a picture in my head now of you going out and giving him a good telling off 😂
Hi @wildwolf3343 -- lol -- he got off easy since it turned out he was able to start up an old pole chainsaw + made short work of the tree cutting. I still worry if he's holding such a heavy saw out in the heat but he knew not to try that when I was unoccupied! :) Poetry and quotes sound like a great way to write and contemplate! :)
@@ChrisSaenz13 Oh that's good: another job out of the way! It's turning a little colder here now in Ireland. I'm just back from a walk, and next on my list is to order my notebooks for next year: I might just sneak a few more ink samples in too :-)
This is a really helpful video Chris. I love the mindmap to start the process of writing. Even just listing any random words, not even forming sentences can be helpful. If writing still feels too hard, I find that if I sit down in a comfortable place and "just be with the feeling" especially if it is sadness or grief, that can lead to crying, which can dissolve heavier feelings that can keep us stuck. For anger I think the A4 type process journal is great, without any self censoring. I think it is also a good idea to not put feelings and related thoughts into categories of good or bad, or negative or positive, to remove any guilty feelings, if they exist.💛
Hi Tanja! That is such a good reminder for me ... that so many of the most intense feelings can dissolve once we really sit with them! Then we're left with more easily faced lighter feelings which we can easier "meet" in our writing which can aid us in getting unstuck. Also, I needed the reminder about working on not labeling feelings as good or bad/positive or negative. :)
What a fantastic video! I think you and I have similar practices and thoughts about writing. For me it's important to recognize the negative and not try to force myself into writing only positive things. It helps remind me that I've felt so low previously and I got through it. ❤
Hi Maria!!!! Oh that's such a good point -- I know when I look over my previous writing (that I did in hard times) I am encouraged that I got thru ... even surprised sometimes how I coped back then. The writing is a gift in the moment to us and can keep on being a comfort when we read back thru our documented times. :)
I love journaling this really helped me with my thoughts cause I needed help with journaling cause I'm behind in journaling and I got alot of writing to do thanks for this video!❤❤i don't use fountain pens I use regular pens like paper mate flairs
Hi @CeliaJournal -- oh cool I'm glad this helped you! I forget not everyone uses fountain pens ... I myself used to use gel pens and paper mate flairs not that many years ago! :)
Such a thoughtful and wise video, Chris. I hope you are feeling better from your fall and i hope you got to Manny before he overdid it. My husband used to sneak out to do things he wasn’t supposed to do also. You are such a dear lady and we are all very lucky to have you share your thoughts with us! Blessings ❤️
thank you for such a wonderful and thoughtful video. i need to start brain dump journaling. it would be cool to see a video about how you use journals or notebooks to keep yourself organized!
Interesting you'd ask about saying organized because lately I've realized I'm slipping on my bullet journaling and that I need to step up my list making and keeping up with daily logs. :)
Hi @susanflemingcoaching -- I am just getting started building my Zettelkasten - just in one file box for now and so far I've only made bibliography cards and a very few main cards .... I understand that I need to have a project in mind in order to get the most out of it .... and my videos are such mini projects I use notecards but not within a system yet. I just have a love for Analog and one of my close friends sent me the book because she KNEW that I'd like it ... ! I'm still not sure how close to the system Scott describes my notebox will be but I'm excited about bringing more order and connection to the ideas I study and make content around. :) Before I fell 2 weeks ago, I was planning a video soon about the book and the beginnings of my own box. It's just delayed but I do expect I will eventually talk about it here on my channel. :)
I go for days or weeks; months even; without journaling, when things aren't going well. I keep thinking that I don't want my loved ones to mabe read all of my depressive thoughts, one day. Right now, I'm not writing, what with the power, water, and internet outages due to Helene. I had some storm damage also, and my daughter had to have surgery for a broken bone in her foot, and I couldn't go to be with her because of the home repairs and difficulty in obtaining gas to drive there, as she lives in Florida. Now look at me; I've vented it all to you. I'm going to look for that book about toxic positivity. I've worked so many jobs where I've been 'forced' to be cheerful acting. After my Morher passed, my office manager told me that I needed to smile more.
Hi Teresa ... oh wow you're dealing with a lot ... I hope you got power back on and water, internet etc. I've been seeing the incredible damage and hardships going on since Helene hit and my heart goes out to everyone! Now with another hurricane hitting Florida ... ugh ... it's a really challenging hurricane season!!!! Downright scary!!!!!! Yes, I found the book: Toxic Positivity to be very helpful .... it talked about exactly the kind of comments you mentioned ... how we are expected to just be "up" and cheerful no matter what but that that is actually damaging and not authentic at all. I really benefited from reading that book!
Hi @love2scrap52 - this is a very good way to write! I do this now, but back in 2015 I had not yet developed the discipline! So, I am always sad when I encounter large missing time frames in my old journals.
@@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564 I've put a note explaining that this is how life felt like at that moment and that no matter what I still loved them. Maybe something written along those lines?
Hi Janet - it's hard I know. I used to worry about if my husband read my journals. As I'd often work out my frustration over disagreements. Now, I just go back thru later and with a water brush I obliterate anything that's too drastic that I wouldn't want anyone to read. :)
I have made a disclaimer at the beginning of a few of my journals ... saying "these were my thoughts/feelings at the time ... not usually representative of my true self until I process thru the initial feelings" something like that ... like please don't read but if you do ... just know that this journal holds my thoughts that come and go and change often. :)
I journal all the time. When something is bothering me, I can’t seem to journal right away, though. I just do nothing and think about the problem (whether it helps or not), but I jot down some keywords in the journal notebook so that I’d remember later when I am ready to write about it. A few hours later I pour my heart out (I don’t mince words!) and I feel better and ready to deal with the problem. I bought the Staples brand composition notebook and it doesn’t ghost or bleed, but some brand of inks don’t work as well as others-they skip and don’t write smoothly (Diamine and Pilot inks work well, Noodler’s not so well). Do you experience this in your CVS notebook? Doesn’t seem like it, but just wondering.
Hi @Cardenio2012 --- I write with primarily Broad nibs so I usually have good luck on CVS Caliber paper but the very best are my Pilot inks and the more saturated Diamine ones too. Sailor inks generally perform very well on it too with B nibs. I need to do a bit more intentional study so that I could speak more broadly about this. I know Cross Violet is one of the absolute best inks for a B nib on CVS Caliber. Colorverse Gravity Wave is another excellent one. :)
Hi Chris! I’m super confused now. I have always thought that journaling is like a Dear Diary for adults. Question is if you separate the bad from the good isn’t that like lying to yourself? No one’s life is the color of roses. Shouldn’t it all be in one book. I heard this in another channel, can’t remember who, they said nothing is something. What I understood it’s okay to not be able to write for a while. That it’s okay to come back to your journal later on. Have I been wrong for many years?
Hi @litzam.gonzalez -- when it comes to writing (or anything really) I don't think there is a wrong or right ... only a variety of ways that MAY work for us and so when I make or view videos like this I aim to share things that work for me knowing that some people will find inspiration or resonate with it and some won't. For many years I didn't realize how many ways there are to "journal". It's so interesting because I've tried many different things and some of my notebooks I come and go in them as needed. FOR ME = I like to keep some of my most difficult processing separate but that's just me. Also, there is always some overlap ... notes I make in my bullet journal for instance and then work on more in my process notebook. :) So, no I don't think you've been wrong. :) There are so many ways to approach writing!!!!!!
I didn't expect you to make a whole video about my question, and I'm truly grateful ❤ I sat down with some tea and took lots of colourful notes about what you said... I think I hit a "block" because of being constantly told to "be strong" by people who seemed uncomfortable with my emotions. My mom was only in her fifties, so there's a lot of anger at how unfair it was mixed in with the grief. I'm going to use these tips to try to find a way through my feelings and keep supporting my dad while we grieve. Thank you so so much for this, Chris.
Dear @littlebadger First let me send my condolences for the loss of your dear mother. I lost my mom when I was 16 so i am no stranger to grief. The first thing my aunt, her sister, said to me when they came to tell me she passed was “you just lost your best friend “ and it was true, but looking back I see that sometimes adults don’t always say the brightest things…. Fast forward many many many years to 2 years ago when I lost my beloved husband. He was a wonderful man and truly my best friend. He was incredibly supportive of my Fountain pen hobby which really ramped up during the pandemic lockdown and he shared the fun of seeing new inks and pens when my packages would arrive. Journaling and calligraphy practice was my stress relief during the stress of the pandemic. And then when I lost him to Covid, despite all our attempts to stay safe, I couldn’t Journal or practice because it made me even more sad and i felt blocked. Then, instead of Journaling in my Hobonichi, I started writing him daily love letters. I poured out my love and my feelings of loss directly to him. It slowly went from just venting all of my pain to the realization that it was my special place where I could spend time with him and tell him about my day or how much I missed him, or a dream I had about him, or a memory I had of him, or a picture I found of him. Some days, if I am too sad or depleted from grief I just draw lots of hearts in colorful inks and try to make it pretty for him. It’s been 2 years and i still write him nightly letters in my journal, and I look forward to our time together. In this way I keep my connection with my sweet husband and best friend. And i can express all the words that the people around don’t want to hear. Grief frightens people on the outside. They find it hard to cope with someone’s grief, they don’t know what to say and some people get scared of your grief because if they still have their loved one, they don’t want to think about losing that person and you are a reminder of that possibility. I think in your case you can share moments with your mom in heaven, tell her how much you love and miss her and tell her how your dad is doing and it will help you too in helping your dad cope. I recently saw on a fountain pen website that there was a man who was writing letters to his wife that passed, and i was surprised because i thought i was the only one who did that. If possible maybe encourage dad to write letters to your mom to express some of the feelings of love that he never got to share. I hope maybe this helps in some way, and I send you love and prayers that you find comfort in whatever you decide to do. Don’t let anyone tell you how you have to be or act especially in regard to grief. 🙏 ❤️
Oh my gosh I'm so sorry ... that is so young and I would imagine this creates a very complicated grief for you and for your Dad. Well meaning advice .... about being strong is tough ... people do have an awful time being with the suffering and emotions of others .... and I think we are conditioned as women to hold it together at all times for everyone else too. I was happy to make this video and very hopeful that it would help you in some small way!!!! Be well and just know that I'm sending positive vibes your way. ~Chris~
Great question !
@littlebadger🙏🩷grief is so individual and everyone walks through it in their own way, and in their own time. I understand that people think it is helpful to encourage others to "be strong", but it is important to allow yourself to feel your feelings. Praying for you and your family 🩷🙏
@@littlebadger my mom died in her sixties and I got told that about her being too young, I have had some time to think about it and think it’s just that folks don’t want to think of their own mortality and so anyone can have passed too young.
Your feelings are yours and your dad’s are his. The feelings are valid. It’s all okay to feel. It’s what you do with them that makes the difference.
For example, anger can lead to destruction or advocacy for self or others. Same emotion and energy, just different outcomes and therefore consequences for everyone involved.
My deepest condolences to the question asker, and everyone else going through devastating grief today.
My deepest grief was helped by the sweeping of my kitchen floor in that it was the only thing I could do daily, and I was able to write it on my bullet journal for the day, and then cross it off when it was done, and so I was able to create a series of days with little good things.
It was also the first thing that I did each day to get my dopamine dose earlier in the day and then everything else was gravy in the day.
New subscriber. I subscribed midway through the video. Lots of good thoughts. I’m going through a major life change and this is very helpful.
This came at the perfect time for me. Thank you Chris. My journaling completely halted after losing our cat in June. I’d just moved as well, and left friends behind, and felt so lonely, and everything that was hiding came to the surface. I kept feeling the urge to reach for my journal but the thought of having to stew in my negative thoughts deterred me. Last night I finally wrote a few pages (just stream of consciousness) and what came out was mostly “negative”, but it was a reminder that my journal is there for me no matter what.
Hi @kenzaplenty -- I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved cat. Those losses are just so devastating ... and it sounds like yours was complicated by many other stressors happening around the same time. It is so comforting that our journal is always there for us. When I experienced the loss of my cat Meena I got comfort from a book: Soul Comfort for Cat Lovers by Liz Eastwood ... prior to reading that book I was really at a low place. I'm wishing you comfort and peace and hope that writing will bring you those gifts!
@@ChrisSaenz13 Thank you. Much love and take care 💜
Thank you, Chris. I just stumbled across your channel tonight. I’m 71, have written and journaled for many years (since I was 7, when I received a little diary with a lock on it for Christmas. “I ate oatmeel today. I hated it.” “I hate skool.” That kind of diary.) I lost my 24-year-old son 17 years ago, and lost all creative juices along with him. I’ve tried to write, and haven’t even been able to journal, beyond a few dribbles every few years. Now I am writing more, whether just “Morning Pages,” aka “Mental Floss,” or a page each morning from my Bible reading. I looked over the blog I began years ago, and am thinking of trying to resurrect it a bit. My husband has congestive heart failure, severe visual impairment and can’t drive or see to do much, and also has Parkinson’s disease. My life is consumed a lot with caregiving I’m grateful I’m healthy enough to do, my sleep is interrupted, and my days are also unpredictable and chaotic. But I have a tote bag I always have with me, and have put notebooks, journal, colored pens, and Kindle into it so I can always read or write.
This video has spawned some new ideas and ways to “just write.” Just to keep the stream flowing at all right now is my goal; I am writing something every day, even in the chaos. You are inspiring me, and this felt like a “kitchen table” talk, encouraging me to just let creativity always find a crack to get through, keep my pen on paper, and also the “glue book” idea is brilliant. To just keep “making something,” and if I am so down or depressed or blocked that I can’t write, I can at least just open a notebook and do anything creative with color, textures, cut-out cards, quotes, etc. Just make a “happy book,” even if it also has some dark clouds glued in.
Thank you -- I’m subscribing!
Hi @maryl.7226 - hi and welcome to the channel! Oh gosh, first, I am so sorry for your loss of your son ... ! You're dealing with so much ... I am so glad that writing and creating is part of your life now because I know from experience that it will help. As we get older, care giving is so challenging but it is such a blessing when we can still do it. I was so blessed to meet and work with a very creative person locally who really taught how much creativity matters especially during the hardest of times. I find that it takes me out of my thoughts and somehow relieves a lot of the anxious worry over what may be next. Color has been so much a part of that for me too .... the artist I worked with had 4 colors that were her absolute favorite and I found that so interesting that those colors were almost like a signature. The longer I write and splatter with fountain pen inks the more I realize what my primary "happy" colors are and I really enjoy the lift color gives me even if I don't form actual words with it! :) Glad you found us here and hope you'll continue to find ways to let creativity in. :)
I keep a "stream of consciousness journal" where I pour out my feelings, insecurities, financial stress, anything, unrefined, and sometimes positive, it's not all bad. I give myself permission to destroy the journal when I reach the end. This has freed me up to be candid, avoid editing and just write. 🔥📒
The physical quality is a notebook I don't care for and would not have a connection with.
I also have a page at the beginning explaining the purpose of the journal for context, in the event it is lost or I decide to keep it.
This topic is very similar to the concept and practice of Morning Pages.
Hi Joseph - oh wow I do that too -- mark the beginning of the journal explaining what it's about ... because I thought: what if I croak before I get to burn or shred it. LOL
Oh yes, that's true .... Morning Pages and Julia Cameron's ideas do run very similar!!!!
@@ChrisSaenz13 The thought, damn what if my spouse reads this. Fortunately she already knows I'm a high anxiety wreck and use journaling to clear my head. :D
Chris, you're in danger of turning into a national treasure - no, INTERnational treasure! Many thanks for being so open about your journalling. It has helped just explain to me what journalling is all about, or at least what it can be about.
Certainly I would agree wholeheartedly about the human need to be creative, no matter what form that takes. I do paintings by number and get such a lift from it.
LOL well ... some days it feels like I'm in danger of becoming an antique but thank you. Gosh, I used to do paint by number when I was younger and it was such fun. I have not seen any of those recently or maybe they are different now but when I was about 10 or 12 I had a kit with tiny little paint containers and the paint by number canvas. What a nice memory!!!!
Wow! Talk about perfect timing! Your video certainly hit the mark. For a few months I’ve been unable to summon the mental or even physical energy to write. I’m used to journaling DAILY! It basically started when I began to suffer all these unrelated physical ailments. I was getting more down, and couldn’t bring myself to even write about the issues. Now that I am recovering a bit, the desire to write is slowly coming back. With your video on tips to write thru these issues and brain dump, I know that I can use the writing to actually help me. To see it as a treatment, not an obligation. Thank you so much Chris. You are an enduring presence, even when I stepped away from fountain pens, and writing, and many things that brought me joy. I’m glad to be back, and see that you are still here, as always, a dear pen friend thru the ether. ❤️🙋♀️🖋️ Hugs!
Hi @karma13612 ... oh I'm just so glad to hear this .... and I love what you said about this being "a treatment, not an obligation" .... that is so wise ..... !!!!! My Mom is always saying "I get to _______" not "I HAVE to ________". The way you stated it resonates with me a lot. Happy writing!!!!!!
Your words are so significant. I love what you’re saying. I haven’t made many videos lately and I think I may respond about this, too. You did a great job AND you inspired me in my video making block
Hi Julie!!!! It's so nice to "see" you here! The writing tips and lessons I learned from you have continued to inspire me across several years ... I'm very grateful for the things you taught me!!!! :)
I’m kind of Happy that I came across this one of your videos Cris because I’m recently starting to make my recovery from A Case Of Health Anxiety that was caused by me Unexpectedly Poisoning My Mind By Watching Stuff Here On UA-cam That I Just Should’ve Skipped!😓
Oh -- I know how that can be! I call those the "dark alley's" that I suddenly find myself in. Information is great but it's exhausting to sort the truth from fiction and the trash from treasure these days! :)
Adding on your thoughts on negative emotions and messy writing, we should all be more aware that negative emotions also have a purpose and we need to acknowledge them and allow ourselves to feel them. You can read (and even better listen to) Brené Brown on the power of vulnerability. Journaling is the safest place to be vulnerable and reflect on the hardships you are going through and I have found it's easier then for me to move on and not linger on those negative emotions.
Hi @anaaneiros5502 -- thank you - these are such good points! I love Brene Brown! :)
If I couldn’t journal I think I would die. If I’m away for the house without a notebook I will scribble on scrapes of paper and add it to my journal when I get home. It’s therapeutic. There has never been a situation that I can write my way out of. Yes I have days when I don’t want to write but I at least thank the universe for all my blessings and the safety of my love ones. Chris this is a great video. Those of us who know, know what you’re trying to say and we all go through it. Keep em coming Sis I’m here for it all.
I sure hear you! I too NEED to write ... sometimes I go back and water/splat over it because the writing itself has lowered the tension and built up stress enough I don't always need to "keep" the words. LOL :)
I sound a little out of place here, but Always Remember that in Times Of Hopelessness And Struggle those are the times when you should go to whichever church you can get access to and Pray To God🙏🏻 To Request Assistance And Healing From Him for whatever the situation may be!😊🙏🏻
Not out of place ... I can always use the reminder to lean less on my own strength and understanding and more upon God. :)
I love my brain dump notebooks. They take away the fear or hesitation of journaling. Glad you mentioned adult coloring. If there is anything that relaxes me it’s adult coloring…there’s something meditative about it.
Hi @lju5001 -- I need to get my coloring out more often ... it really is super relaxing!!!! I'm still finishing a mandala coloring book.
Thanks so much for making this video. I agree with everything you said! It's so important and necessary to meet our demons. I journal all the darker stuff and then have a separate gratitude journal. I really like your advice of doing the dark stuff before doing the gratitude. I will try that!
Hi @judyle4893 -- I learned that from the writer friend I was talking about, Julie Jordan Scott. I can remember thinking very poorly at the beginning of writing sessions but by the end of them I could always find a good deeper gratitude to write at the end of my brain dump!!!! :)
This totally helped and inspired me Chris. Thank you.!!
And Darn it Manuel, behave yourself.!!! Stop overdoing things you know you shouldn’t be doing. I know how hard that is to give up ur independence for health issues, but in the big picture & in the long run, you will be better off listening to ur doctors advice and ur beautiful smart wife.!! 💖💖
Hi Donna lol he got off easy because it did turn out he fixed a pole saw and so the work was not as taxing but still ... that was a calculated move to sneak out there as soon as I started recording lol. :) I can sympathize more with him right now because I'm restricted too as my ribs heal. But I still gave him a nice little scolding.
Thank you: I've beeen in a journaling slump for a few weeks and my mood has suffered, your video was exactly what I needed to hear to make me reach for my journal and fountain pens. I didn't want to journal negativity, yet I know that I can work my way out of a mindset by writing, I appreciate the reminder! I hope your zettelkasten is developing nicely, I have recently started one. 📚
Hi @starflash8316 I can always tell if I've neglected writing even for one day because I'm just less focused and more tense. I've got my Zettelkasten set up fully even though so far I'm using mainly the bibliography section ... long term I'm not sure if I'm up to the task of creating one of real value but I'm thinking it's worth the try!!!!!!
Thank you Chris for your reminders about what is the heart of this hobby and that is writing. Collecting pens and inks and swatching colours is a lot of fun but writing is our meditation and therapy and keeping it up in good and bad times is important. I really appreciate your down to earth approach as well as your honesty and openness.
Hi @slskene thank you! It is at times hard to stay focused on the main point of writing with all the beautiful shiny objects and the new inks etc coming into our awareness but it's so much more rewarding to just write!!!!! :)
Thank you for this video, Chris. I journal but am hesitant to write negative feelings. You’ve opened a door for me with ink splats and or mind mapping. Hope your husband stays safe. It’s frustrating to be told you shouldn’t do certain garden activities! I’ve hit that stage, too. Also hope you’re healing physically and mentally from your fall.
Hi @mizquilter it turned out good for my husband ... he got our old pole chainsaw started so he was able to buzz off the shaggy palm limbs very easily and trimmed our other umbrella tree too ... maybe I won't have to saw with a hand saw anymore lol. I do feel better from my fall ... it took 2 full weeks for me to be able to stay in bed the entire night ... due to being so uncomfortable in one position but I'm finally able to sleep decent again and move better. I'm moving a lot slower and more carefully! :) I hope you're able to do activities that you want to do ... !!!! It's frustrating when we meet with limitations!
Chris…..so pleased to find your channel. I’m 75 years old and have been an artist/writer most of my life. You are truly inspiring to me at this time because it’s been an extremely difficult past year due to serious health issues. My art is my medicine and a gift I share with others. You have inspired me to start journaling, I have so many empty ones I have collected for a long time. You are a wonderful person and I love pen-pals. I also teach calligraphy, which is fun. Take care……cannot wait to see more of your episodes.❤🙏🎨
Hi @cheriose6660 - hi and welcome to the channel! I love using fountain pens for "art" mostly just for writing and using a water brush to add even more color with boxes around my writing etc. Art and writing are so healing ... take care and I wish you the very best in staying healthy and cheerful!!!!!! :)
@ChrisSaenz13 so sweet and thoughtful for you to reply! 😍🙏
I had a chuckle 😂😂 at Manuel sneaking out into the garden whilst you were occupied recording this video. He probably thought that you'd be so engrossed and not notice. Hope that he didn't over exert himself. I tend not to do journalling, but have done so on occasions. The last one I did, was when covid started, and going into lockdown. I actually found the journalling very therapeutic, and poured out all my emotions onto those journal pages. I stuck things in, ink stamped, doodled, and did allsorts to decorate the written pages. With living alone, I guess that journal was a way of venting all the emotions that I was feeling at that time. However, a few months back when I was having a clearout, I threw that journal away, but later regretted doing so 😢. I've always tended to go for walks to 'clear' my head etc., when I've been feeling a bit down, or have problems to work through etc. These days I'm unable to do that (going for a ride on my mobility scooter doesn't work) but haven't turned to journalling. Instead, I'll look up certain topics on the internet (usually mainly to do with history) and start researching......I really ought to document what I find out 😂. It is a well known fact that art in any medium or form is very therapeutic. So splattering ink, doodling, decorating journal pages, colouring, etc etc., does really help. Have a great weekend.
Hi Annie -- it turned out that somehow Manuel got the old pole chainsaw started .... I thought it was broken beyond repair ... so the actual cutting was made into an easy job and I only had to encourage him to take a break before moving and cutting up the branches and palms .... he was sweating like the dickens but YES he knew to do that job when I was preoccupied ... !!!! LOL
That's so interesting that you mentioned regretting throwing away the journal ... I've had that experience in the past ... wishing I had not thrown away my older journals. They were certainly minefields of "process and negativity" at times but it would be nice just to see how much I've changed/progressed so I do regret shredding them! I've been turning back to my 2020-2022 writings in my bullet journal and long form journal a lot lately ... some similar level stress was being kicked up by this contentious and scary pre-election stuff we're experiencing! I get to read how I coped with the lockdown and the covid madness. :)
@ChrisSaenz13 That's great that Manuel got the old chain saw working....I'm sure that made the task so much easier. I can understand him still wanting to do garden jobs etc. It's hard to give up doing things, even though we know we're not supposed to. They sometimes show some of the pre election campaigning, etc., over here in the news. They sure do go to town a lot more than the political parties do here.
Thanks Chris, and all the commenters, very helpful and encouraging! I'm going through a bit of a dry spell and needed a bit of inspiration 😊
Hi @courtney9212 -- oh I'm glad it was helpful -- yes I got a lot of encouragement from the commenters as well!!!!
All 10 of your points are just great. The one that was totally brand new to me is the idea of not using one of my ultra fancy, expensive journals to write in my dark thoughts. This is going to be most helpful to me personally. Thankyou very much for this video
Hi Carol -- oh awesome!!! I actually picked up that idea from Julie Jordan Scott too ... I noticed when I was watching her live streams years ago that she was using very humble spiral notebooks for the brain dump sessions we were doing on Periscope. That was when I realized I'd do a lot better with messy brain dump writing in a cheap notebook!
@@ChrisSaenz13 I love the way you worded this! Yes, a humble notebook would be more conducive to letting it all out. Since I am almost 80, there are writings I would not want my “heirs” to see. I already have a big box of writings that I labeled “private, destroy upon death” from my years of journaling. The other day I found it empty so maybe I already dumped it and forgot!
Thanks, Chris! I agree completely with everything you said. Journaling has helped me get through some of the darkest times of my life.
Hi Nancy -- there are so many times when I don't know what I'd do without pen and paper!!!!! :)
Just what I needed to hear. Thank you,
Hi @SaintMolotov
Thank you for making this video. I tend to do my process journaling in the notebook I use for my morning pages because I don’t keep those. I like the idea of a glue book!
Hi @FranM6179 the glue book has been fun and I like that I just glue things in out of order and wherever they fit ... I've been working on that one for a long time off and on. :)
Beautifully said. Thank you for sharing and helping others. You are a blessing
Thank you @cassandrascott2613
I really needed to hear this today! Thank you. 🙏 I’ve been going through a tough time lately and you have inspired me to write it out. ❤
Hugs.
Hi Carol - this makes me very grateful that I preempted my other video plans and made the video my heart wanted me to do!!!! :) I hope you experience much easier times and that your writing gives you comfort and peace!!!!
I'm a devastated new widow. I'm so grateful for my journals. It's been a place to process so many feelings. And for me to begin to clear the memories of him being so sick and full it back in with all the joy and gratitude for the 30 happiest years of my life with him. Some day I can't think about my own feeling so I just write him a letter to tell him everything that's going on with people he loved and was close to. It understandable to have trouble writing in harder times but it's worth picking up your pen and just let it flow.
Hi Tracy - I am so sorry for your loss. Your words will inspire others ... because if you can pick up your pen and write during this time ... anyone can and it could help. Thank you for commenting especially at a time like this! ~Chris~
@@ChrisSaenz13 thank you so much. I really hope others take the idea and write with it. 😉❤️
Hi Tracy…I too am devastated after losing my son David three years ago. I feel I have nothing to Sat😭
When I’m depressed or just having hard times, that’s when it’s easiest for me to write in my journal.
Hi @TheAngWel that's a blessing I think!!!!
@@ChrisSaenz13 yes I agree 💯 %. 😊
Really helpful tips here Chris, thanks for sharing. I have big gaps from times that were really rough and like you I do wish I’d just even written a few lines or doodled or painted so I had more “breadcrumbs”. But of course there are times when we are truly stuck. I too find ink swatching and doodles very relaxing and therapeutic. Other times I look for poetry or quotes that reflect how I’m feeling and transcribe it into a commonplace notebook. This really helps me, because it can take me out of myself. It was so funny when you spotted Manuel outside - I have a picture in my head now of you going out and giving him a good telling off 😂
Hi @wildwolf3343 -- lol -- he got off easy since it turned out he was able to start up an old pole chainsaw + made short work of the tree cutting. I still worry if he's holding such a heavy saw out in the heat but he knew not to try that when I was unoccupied! :) Poetry and quotes sound like a great way to write and contemplate! :)
@@ChrisSaenz13 Oh that's good: another job out of the way! It's turning a little colder here now in Ireland. I'm just back from a walk, and next on my list is to order my notebooks for next year: I might just sneak a few more ink samples in too :-)
This is a really helpful video Chris. I love the mindmap to start the process of writing. Even just listing any random words, not even forming sentences can be helpful.
If writing still feels too hard, I find that if I sit down in a comfortable place and "just be with the feeling" especially if it is sadness or grief, that can lead to crying, which can dissolve heavier feelings that can keep us stuck. For anger I think the A4 type process journal is great, without any self censoring.
I think it is also a good idea to not put feelings and related thoughts into categories of good or bad, or negative or positive, to remove any guilty feelings, if they exist.💛
Hi Tanja! That is such a good reminder for me ... that so many of the most intense feelings can dissolve once we really sit with them! Then we're left with more easily faced lighter feelings which we can easier "meet" in our writing which can aid us in getting unstuck. Also, I needed the reminder about working on not labeling feelings as good or bad/positive or negative. :)
What a fantastic video! I think you and I have similar practices and thoughts about writing. For me it's important to recognize the negative and not try to force myself into writing only positive things. It helps remind me that I've felt so low previously and I got through it. ❤
Hi Maria!!!! Oh that's such a good point -- I know when I look over my previous writing (that I did in hard times) I am encouraged that I got thru ... even surprised sometimes how I coped back then. The writing is a gift in the moment to us and can keep on being a comfort when we read back thru our documented times. :)
❤
Thanks Chris! Very helpful insight regarding journaling. Much appreciated.
Hi Mike - thank you! :)
Thanks !,you are awesome ,great ideas you have🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗
Thank you Chris,what a great topic for a video. Thanks!
Hi @primarysources thank you!
Thank you.
Hi @queenbuzybee4074
I love journaling this really helped me with my thoughts cause I needed help with journaling cause I'm behind in journaling and I got alot of writing to do thanks for this video!❤❤i don't use fountain pens I use regular pens like paper mate flairs
Hi @CeliaJournal -- oh cool I'm glad this helped you! I forget not everyone uses fountain pens ... I myself used to use gel pens and paper mate flairs not that many years ago! :)
Such a thoughtful and wise video, Chris. I hope you are feeling better from your fall and i hope you got to Manny before he overdid it. My husband used to sneak out to do things he wasn’t supposed to do also. You are such a dear lady and we are all very lucky to have you share your thoughts with us! Blessings ❤️
Thank you Chris. I really want to start journaling. Your video was very inspirational and informative.
Hi Tom -- I'm so glad -- thank you for being here!
Thank you Chris!
Hi Karen! :)
thank you for such a wonderful and thoughtful video. i need to start brain dump journaling. it would be cool to see a video about how you use journals or notebooks to keep yourself organized!
Interesting you'd ask about saying organized because lately I've realized I'm slipping on my bullet journaling and that I need to step up my list making and keeping up with daily logs. :)
@@ChrisSaenz13 same here! :)
Great video! Thanks for sharing!
Hi @ash16lily23 :)
I see the Antinet Zettelkasten book on your shelf, and am curious as to how you are using the system.
Hi @susanflemingcoaching -- I am just getting started building my Zettelkasten - just in one file box for now and so far I've only made bibliography cards and a very few main cards .... I understand that I need to have a project in mind in order to get the most out of it .... and my videos are such mini projects I use notecards but not within a system yet. I just have a love for Analog and one of my close friends sent me the book because she KNEW that I'd like it ... ! I'm still not sure how close to the system Scott describes my notebox will be but I'm excited about bringing more order and connection to the ideas I study and make content around. :) Before I fell 2 weeks ago, I was planning a video soon about the book and the beginnings of my own box. It's just delayed but I do expect I will eventually talk about it here on my channel. :)
@@ChrisSaenz13 can’t wait to watch it!
I go for days or weeks; months even; without journaling, when things aren't going well. I keep thinking that I don't want my loved ones to mabe read all of my depressive thoughts, one day. Right now, I'm not writing, what with the power, water, and internet outages due to Helene. I had some storm damage also, and my daughter had to have surgery for a broken bone in her foot, and I couldn't go to be with her because of the home repairs and difficulty in obtaining gas to drive there, as she lives in Florida. Now look at me; I've vented it all to you. I'm going to look for that book about toxic positivity. I've worked so many jobs where I've been 'forced' to be cheerful acting. After my Morher passed, my office manager told me that I needed to smile more.
Hi Teresa ... oh wow you're dealing with a lot ... I hope you got power back on and water, internet etc. I've been seeing the incredible damage and hardships going on since Helene hit and my heart goes out to everyone! Now with another hurricane hitting Florida ... ugh ... it's a really challenging hurricane season!!!! Downright scary!!!!!!
Yes, I found the book: Toxic Positivity to be very helpful .... it talked about exactly the kind of comments you mentioned ... how we are expected to just be "up" and cheerful no matter what but that that is actually damaging and not authentic at all. I really benefited from reading that book!
I journal everyday even if it’s just bread crumbs. It could be 1/2 page or two pages.
Hi @love2scrap52 - this is a very good way to write! I do this now, but back in 2015 I had not yet developed the discipline! So, I am always sad when I encounter large missing time frames in my old journals.
My problem is I’m afraid to write things that my children might read if I was to die suddenly. So I don’t really write a lot of my true feelings.
That's my problem too! My exact thoughts.
@@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564 I've put a note explaining that this is how life felt like at that moment and that no matter what I still loved them. Maybe something written along those lines?
Hi Janet - it's hard I know. I used to worry about if my husband read my journals. As I'd often work out my frustration over disagreements. Now, I just go back thru later and with a water brush I obliterate anything that's too drastic that I wouldn't want anyone to read. :)
I have made a disclaimer at the beginning of a few of my journals ... saying "these were my thoughts/feelings at the time ... not usually representative of my true self until I process thru the initial feelings" something like that ... like please don't read but if you do ... just know that this journal holds my thoughts that come and go and change often. :)
My first video of yours, I love your authenticity and honesty, brilliant. Uk 39yrs old xx
I journal all the time. When something is bothering me, I can’t seem to journal right away, though. I just do nothing and think about the problem (whether it helps or not), but I jot down some keywords in the journal notebook so that I’d remember later when I am ready to write about it. A few hours later I pour my heart out (I don’t mince words!) and I feel better and ready to deal with the problem.
I bought the Staples brand composition notebook and it doesn’t ghost or bleed, but some brand of inks don’t work as well as others-they skip and don’t write smoothly (Diamine and Pilot inks work well, Noodler’s not so well). Do you experience this in your CVS notebook? Doesn’t seem like it, but just wondering.
Hi @Cardenio2012 --- I write with primarily Broad nibs so I usually have good luck on CVS Caliber paper but the very best are my Pilot inks and the more saturated Diamine ones too. Sailor inks generally perform very well on it too with B nibs. I need to do a bit more intentional study so that I could speak more broadly about this. I know Cross Violet is one of the absolute best inks for a B nib on CVS Caliber. Colorverse Gravity Wave is another excellent one. :)
Hi Chris! I’m super confused now. I have always thought that journaling is like a Dear Diary for adults. Question is if you separate the bad from the good isn’t that like lying to yourself? No one’s life is the color of roses. Shouldn’t it all be in one book. I heard this in another channel, can’t remember who, they said nothing is something. What I understood it’s okay to not be able to write for a while. That it’s okay to come back to your journal later on. Have I been wrong for many years?
Hi @litzam.gonzalez -- when it comes to writing (or anything really) I don't think there is a wrong or right ... only a variety of ways that MAY work for us and so when I make or view videos like this I aim to share things that work for me knowing that some people will find inspiration or resonate with it and some won't. For many years I didn't realize how many ways there are to "journal". It's so interesting because I've tried many different things and some of my notebooks I come and go in them as needed. FOR ME = I like to keep some of my most difficult processing separate but that's just me. Also, there is always some overlap ... notes I make in my bullet journal for instance and then work on more in my process notebook. :) So, no I don't think you've been wrong. :) There are so many ways to approach writing!!!!!!
@ Thanks Chris.