Ever feel overwhelmed and out of focus? Wish you could get your life in order. I do know what it's like to be stuck, and feel like you aren't moving forward. It helps to find creative ways to overcome your hurdles.
Most of my life I have kept journals. Some are day to day encounters, and other journals have been designed to figure out obstacles or visions I am trying to overcome or create. I want to share one of my favorite journals. I don't do it every day, maybe only once a month. They are a lot fun, and the best part for me, is that I do most of my "Collage Journals" when I am feeling extremely out of focus or overwhelmed.
When I wake in the morning, I can usually tell what kind of day it's going to be by my how I am feeling physically. Do I feel rested? Did I wake up with my jaw tight and sore? How about a headache? Feeling slightly tight in the middle of my stomach? Usually if I have any of these physical symptoms, it's because I am not internally aligned with my core values, and purpose.
How do I relieve this feeling?
Color, words, pictures, paints, found objects, whatever my heart desires. I created a collage journal to help me uncover what's eating at my internally. I use a sketch pad, thick paper because I have a tendency to use lots of glues and paints. Whatever you’re feeling, go with it. I rummage through magazines, the box of cards I have collected over the years, stickers, bottle caps with sayings in them, found items that strike me at the moment, to say....This is how I am feeling.
Sitting down with my colorful collection of stuff, I begin gluing to the pages, upside down, on top of each other, down the side of the page. If I am feeling upside down, then all my pictures and words just might represent that! It's about piecing together the picture of your heart, soul, and emotions. I may add some color, or lightly glue colored tissue paper to obscure the words or photos. To give them a faint hint of being there. I add sparkle with beads, buttons, pins, glitter etc.
Once you’re done, or maybe you’re like me, there is always room for more! Sit back and look, study and read what you have written through the use of photos, words, designs and clippings. What do you see? Are you fearful of something? Is something in a relationship not quite right? Do you feel like you are missing something in your life?
There is a good chance that through your Collage Journaling you can piece together a pretty good overall picture of what and why you are feeling the way you are! Half the battle is seeing the problem. It's not easy to change any situation, but there are always solutions. I may not like the answer, in fact it may be quite what I don't want to hear, but moving in a direction is far better than staying stuck.
Try using the "Collage Journal Method" to see if you can playfully, and creatively collect your story, and design a path to get you to your desired vision. I know this helps me and it’s FUN! Who couldn't use a little more of that!
I would love if anyone tries this to share it, if you don't mind. It's awesome to know that I am not alone, that none of us are. That we can share our fears, and vulnerabilities to help each other move beyond them!
About the Author
I'm Shelley McNamara, writer, creator, inspired, blogger, self-directed, hippie, bohemian, earthy kinda gal. I live in the Western Mountains of Maine. Have lived here all my life, it's home, my comfort zone, and where I choose to express who I am, with those around me.
Anything else you would like to know...Just ask. I've been told before, I am what you see, I wear my heart on my sleeve, and all that good stuff. I really am an open book for the reading. Feel free to drop me a line!
Facebook: Shellmcnamara or VisionsandPossiblities (AKA Mosaic Madness)
Email: shellmcnamara@aol.com
***Be Who You Are***
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