Journaling Styles

In "The Transformative Journey of Journaling: My Letters to Mary," the author shares a heartfelt exploration of how letter writing and journaling can foster personal growth, creative expression, and meaningful connection. Over the course of a year, Lisa created a series of epistolary artworks addressed to a dear friend and mentor, Mary Gotz, using rustic craft paper and mixed media elements like fabric, pressed flowers, and found objects. This project became a powerful tool for self-reflection, allowing the artist to delve into themes of creativity, identity, and emotional depth while blending visual storytelling with written dialogue. The process not only deepened Lisa's artistic voice but also inspired what is now the Bound to Journal signature teaching methods and journal-making techniques aimed at supporting others on their wellness journey through expressive writing and visual journaling.

This inspiring journey highlights the transformative potential of journaling as a healing and self-discovery practice. The author emphasizes that journaling—whether through letters, visual art, or mixed media—serves as a vital resource for cultivating mindfulness, emotional resilience, and personal insight. By sharing their experience, they encourage readers, from seasoned journalers to beginners, to embrace the power of journaling as a creative outlet for wellness, healing, and authentic self-expression. Their website offers valuable resources, tutorials, and inspiration to support individuals in developing their unique journaling style, fostering a community dedicated to wellness through expressive writing and artistic journaling techniques.

In this blog post, we explore the transformative power of combining book arts with journaling, highlighting how the tactile and creative elements of book-making can elevate the journaling experience. Drawing from years of teaching in the Literacy Program, the author shares personal insights and techniques that turn journaling from a mundane task into a vibrant form of self-expression. By incorporating hand-bound journals, unique structures, and artistic embellishments, writers can discover their unique voice and engage in deeper reflection.

The post emphasizes the significance of journal design, offering practical tips for enhancing creativity and inspiration. With a nod to influential mentors in the Book Arts movement, the author encourages readers to embrace innovative journaling practices that not only foster personal growth but also cultivate a sense of wellness. Readers are invited to explore additional resources and join a community dedicated to the art of journaling.

Spending two and a half days exploring Lisbon on foot provided life lessons and unexpected adventures that unfolded with little expense. The city revealed its charm through narrow alleyways, unexpected encounters, and stunning landmarks such as Castelo de São Jorge and Sé de Lisboa cathedral. This journey highlighted the beauty of experiencing a place intimately, where each street held a story and every encounter enriched the traveler.

The spontaneity of Lisbon extended beyond breathtaking views and historic sites to include chance meetings with strangers like Francisco, who introduced a uniquely Lisbon twist to the trip. The traveler traversed the city with a budget-friendly mindset, walking through winding streets, savoring simple meals from local shops, and delving into the cultural fabric of the city. This exploration underscored the notion that meaningful travel doesn't require lavish spending, just an open heart and a willingness to embrace the unknown.

Reflecting on the entire journey, it became clear that these experiences in the Iberian Peninsula sparked a longing for more adventures. Embracing the unknown and taking risks became a driving force, a desire to uncover the world's wonders and connect deeply with its diverse cultures. This transformative journey set the stage for future explorations, promising more stories to unfold in distant lands.

In the captivating second part of "Never There Long," the author invites readers on a journey through the enchanting streets of Lisbon, beginning with an unexpected arrival at the vividly pastel Santa Apolonia station. With a mix of humor and humility, the narrative recounts the author's luck in navigating the complexities of train travel across the Iberian Peninsula, despite his minimal planning and language skills. The vibrant atmosphere of the station, adorned with stunning mosaic tiles, sets the stage for a whimsical exploration of the city.

As the author steps outside, he is struck by the intricate tilework that sprawls across Lisbon’s sidewalks, a testament to the city's artistic heritage. The experience becomes a sensory adventure, with the author weaving through narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets lined with charming cafés and bright yellow trams. Each turn reveals more of Lisbon’s unique character, from the historic Praça do Comércio to the bustling Praça do Rossio, where he encounters the challenge of finding a suitable hostel amidst the maze of small, family-run establishments.

The narrative takes a heartwarming turn as the author engages in a comical yet poignant interaction with a hostel owner, revealing the universal language of kindness that transcends barriers. Despite facing the disappointment of no available rooms, the encounter is filled with warmth and understanding, embodying the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that travel fosters. This story promises readers not just a vivid travelogue, but an exploration of human connection in the face of uncertainty, making it a must-read for aspiring travelers and seasoned wanderers alike.

In the latest installment of the Never There Long journaling series, the guest author shares a candid and unpolished travel journal entry that captures a raw and adventurous experience. The piece serves as a personal account rather than a polished narrative, complete with colorful language, spelling errors, and casual reflections. The focal point is Carla, the driver of a red pickup truck, who is part of a memorable birthday celebration marked by homemade fire-brew and reckless abandon.

The author acknowledges the lack of a tidy conclusion, leaving readers curious about Carla’s fate and the journey beyond Guatemala City. Bound to Journal invites those drawn to adventure to embrace the authenticity of the writing, despite its imperfections. For readers interested in more, we encourage you to explore the entire Never There Long series and an upcoming three-part adventure through the Iberian Peninsula.

Ultimately, the piece serves as an encouragement to embrace travel, journaling, and the excitement of exploring new places.