Some days you just don’t feel your best. Maybe you had a tough conversation with someone you care about, or you are feeling discouraged about looking for a new job. Whatever it is that’s getting you down, your personal journal is here to lift your spirits. Use this art journaling activity to relax, refocus and reflect on the positive.
Therapeutic Journaling Through Art
1. Begin by putting into words all of the negative emotions you are experiencing right now. Spend a few minutes making a quick list in your journal. For example:
Anger, exhaustion, helplessness, fear, discouragement
2. Now make a list of antonyms for each of the words on your list. For example:
Calm, energy, empowerment, courage, hope
3. Choose one word from your second list for your art journaling project. Why did this word stand out to you? What significance does it have in your life right now? Jot down a few sentences answering these questions in your personal journal.
4. Now it’s time to get in touch with your inner artist. Take out your favorite art supplies – it’s your choice whether you use crayons, watercolors, pen and pencil or magazines and other materials for a collage. Keep your word in mind as a touchstone, and create a piece of artwork that visually expresses it.
For example, if your word is “calm,” you might paint a beautiful, serene picture in muted colors of the lake house where you spent vacations as a child; the landscape represents peace and quiet and comfort for you. If you chose the word “empowerment,” you might make a collage of images and words that inspire you to be strong, independent and fearless. The completed collage reminds you that you can take on any challenges that come your way.
5. Bookmark your art journaling project or cut it out to display somewhere you can see it often.
What word are you focusing on right now? We'd love to see your artwork...please take a picture and we'll post it.
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The Do What You Love! 7 Days Journaling Challenge starts June 25. Register now.
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