To live a well balanced, rewarding life of our dreams by day and sleep restfully at night.
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say “thank you?” ~ William A. Ward
Good morning! As the day begins, I offer you a few writing prompts to get your day started:
1. What am I thankful for?
2. What am I looking forward to?
3. Today I am _______ because________……
Have a blessed day!
Debra
Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn’t wait to get to work in the morning: I wanted to know what I was going to say. ~ Sharon O’Brien
Tonight’s journal writing exercise is a fun one… life’s little pleasures. Not the big stuff (or perhaps the little stuff is the big stuff…), but the little things that truly make life and daily existence worthwhile.
Writing in our journals is a wonderful chance to focus on things we love.
Remember, what we focus on grows.
What we appreciate, appreciates.
Life’s little pleasures is one of those things that just makes it all worthwhile, y’know? I even have a Pinterest Board devoted to life’s little pleasures.
What little things put a smile on your face? Little things that you look forward to? Your guilty little pleasures…? Hmmm? It’s okay. This is a safe place to share.
As always (or most of the time at least), I will start my own entry and then you write too. I invite you all to comment at the end of your post to share a few of your little pleasures. It is fun to share with each other.
Ready to start? I know I am! Let’s see…
Little Pleasures…
1. The sound of the birds singing as I sit here on my back patio writing in the early evening…
2. The smell of my roses interwoven with the honey suckles that are in full bloom right now this wonderful May evening. I am breathing the intoxicating fragrance now as I write this…
3. Going for a walk and saying hello to the friendly neighbors (I live in the South and everybody is so nice and friendly here)!
4. Being out in public and enjoying the babies and toddlers (I remember when my children were that little once and it makes me happy to remember those precious days)
5. Knowing I have a great dinner planned for my family (I love to cook)!
6. My back patio garden.
7. My first cup of coffee in the morning.
8. When we first turn off the light, melting into my husband’s arms and resting my head on “my spot” (his shoulder) that is just right.. and falling asleep…

Your turn, Dear friends. I am not by any means through with my entry. This is a really fun one. Enjoy and remember to share a few little pleasures on your list with all of us by commenting in… don’t be shy now…
Much love and peace to all of you. I am so glad we are sharing a sweet sliver of this life journey together.
Debra
Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. ~ Seneca
A few prompts to get your journal writing started today:
1. What is my favorite place? Why? How do I feel when I am there?
2. If time or money were not at issue, where would I take off to visit right now?
3. I am happy where I am because….
4. What does home mean to me?
No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow. ~ Lin Yutang
Only one book is worth reading: the heart. ~ Ajahn Chah
What is in your heart? What stirs you deeply within depths you didn’t know exist?
That is this evening’s journal writing prompt: exploring the depths of the heart. This may be April Fool’s day, but following our heart is not foolish.
Our hearts our intelligent. What is your heart saying to you? (if you take the time to listen, you may find out).
So, this prompt is simple.
Talk to your heart. If there is something going on in your life that you need an answer to (whether it is career related, family,etc.) ask your heart…
Breathe deeply. Close your eyes. Put your hands to your heart and just sit and breathe. Be still…
When you are ready, open your eyes and write on your journal page:
Heart, what do you have to tell me?…
Then breathe deeply and write when you feel compelled to write. Don’t judge. Don’t edit. Just write.
This one is a bit personal so I will do this exercise in my private journal this time (perhaps I will share with you in a future post though).
Much love to you…
In peace,
Debra
Alas! there is no instinct like the heart… ~Lord Byron
One way I like to use my journal is for times when I feel stressed, anxious, a little run down, or sad. This great exercise immediately lifts my spirits and galvanized my energy to something more cheerful and positive. There is nothing quite like the sweetness of anticipating adventures: big and small.
At the top of your entry, simply write: “I will have these adventures”. *Note, we are affirming these adventures as if they are going to happen (rather than saying “I would like to one day do..”
Then write away. What adventures are in store for you? I find if I write rather quickly, without thinking too hard or editing myself, my heart’s true desires will eventually come out on paper.
Ready to begin? As I often do, I will get my own list started and then you begin yours.
Let’s see…
I will have these adventures:
1. I will explore the charming city of Charleston, South Carolina with my husband. I will stroll the charming streets and tour the mansions and nearby plantations. I will also eat some great food and listen to jazz music.
2. I will take wine tours in the Napa Valley and Tuscany, Italy.
3. I will ride on the Orient Express.
4. I will read a juicy novel.
5. I will try a new recipe out this week.
6. I will go on a retreat! A retreat for writers, yoga enthusiasts, meditation, and one for couples.
7. I will visit Virginia
8. I will go on a class III river rafting trip in North Carolina
This is a great exercise. I feel perkier and excited about my life. I will keep going in my private journal so that you may begin yours.
Have fun!
In Peace,
Debra
Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. ~ Seneca
Making declarations are very powerful and life affirming. They come from a place of confidence and strength.
Once in a while I love to write in my journal and simply declare:” I Am……” and just write and see what comes out naturally and with fortitude and excitement.
This evening I feel compelled to make such a journal entry. Care to join me?….
On this Tuesday evening, March 12, 2013:
1. I Am grateful to be home.
2. I Am a teacher.
3. I Am a writer.
4. I Am a lover of life.
5. I Am in love with my sweet husband.
6. I Am a great cook! I can smell the delicious herb baked chicken I prepared in the oven as I write this…
7. I Am a world traveler
8. I Am a student of the French language and wine…
9. I Am a book person
10. I Am creative
11. I Am free
12. I Am open
13. I Am loved.
So, that is my list for this moment.
Your turn, friends…
Have fun declaring who and what you are, right now. Own it. Cheers!
Good evening. It’s time to have a little time to write and focus on what is important, what really turns us on and brings us to life! If we focus on these things we will go to bed tonight eager and looking forward to the new day. Living our passions gives us purpose. There will be no room for boredom, depression, or anxiety… Ready?
In your journals, simply write: I feel most alive when… then write,write, write! Have fun.
Let’s see…
I feel most alive when…
1. I am writing.
2. I am riding my bike.
3. I am taking a walk outside.
4. I am gazing out at the ocean, my back patio garden, a beautiful night sky…
5. My husband smiles at me
6. I’ve just had a great yoga class, swim, or workout at the gym
7. I feel like I have put in a good day at work.
8. Going on a trip, or even planning for a trip. I love adventure!
9. Trying new things.
10. Dancing around and moving my body.
Your turn!
Happy Friday! Here are a few journal writing prompts to get your weekend off to a great start:
1. What am I most thankful for right now?
2. Who, being loved, is poor? ~ Oscar Wilde. What does this quote mean to me?
3. What do I need to do more of in my life?
4. What do I need to release?
5. What experience is at the top of my bucket list? What can I do, starting this weekend, to make that happen?
Have a lovely weekend.
Happy writing!
In Peace,
Debra