To live a well balanced, rewarding life of our dreams by day and sleep restfully at night.
Little Pleasures… tonight’s journal writing session
Published May 13, 2013 | 
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 in 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
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Why I love my husband: an important (possibly the most important) journal writing session
Published May 5, 2013 | 
If we nurture the most important relationship in our life, we will sleep better at night, guaranteed.
I invite you to think about your significant other… focus on how blessed you are that they are in your life.
Then just write what you appreciate about them.
Remember:
What we appreciate, appreciates!
What we focus on grows!
Who does not want more love in their lives, right? What is more important when it comes right down to it, hmmm…?
Okay, so my journal entry may look like this. I will begin, then you do your own. Deal?
What I love about my husband is:
1. his optimism
2. his kindness
3. his rugged good looks
4. his smile
5. his flexibility
6. his ability to put up with silly me!
I will continue in my private journal so that you may begin your own entry…
*note: if you are not married or in a relationship right now, you can write about the qualities that you appreciate about your ideal partner (in present tense with feeling as if they are in your life now).
Love has no desire but to fulfill itself. To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving. ~ Kahlil Gibran
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Posted in Benefits of Journal Writing, Blogging, Family life, Getting a good night sleep, Gratitude list, Happiness, Journal Prompts, Journal Prompts, journal writing, lists, Love, marriage, Positive living, relationships, safety, security, what I appreciate about my husband | 
appreciating my husband, gratitude list, Happy Wives Club, journal writing prompt, listing what we love about our spouse | 
5 CommentsWhat makes me confident in myself and in my life? Tonight’s journal writing prompt
Published April 15, 2013 | 
If we are confident in ourselves and the direction our lives are taking, we will sleep well at night, guaranteed!
Tonight’s journal writing question is simply this:
What makes me feel confident in myself and in my life?
Then, write away!
Let’s see, this is how I would answer this question tonight….
What makes me confident in myself and in my life:
1. Trying new things
2. Being excited about things
3. Doing something that I was afraid of (I did anyway despite the fear).
4. Sharing with others something I feel enthusiastic about.
5. Sharing with others my gifts and my passions.
6. Having the ability to embrace change
7. Continuing to work on myself and develop new skills
8. Knowing and having faith that God loves me and the universe works with me.
I will stop here, and permit you to start your writing.
Have fun!
In peace,
Debra
If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced. ~Vincent Van Gogh
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Adventures I will have (a fun, spirit lifting journal writing exercise).
Published March 24, 2013 | 
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
photo credit: sunsetfarms.com
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
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This evening, I Am these thirteen things…a wonderful journal writing exercise!
Published March 12, 2013 | 
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! 
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Posted in Benefits of Journal Writing, Journal Prompts, Journal Prompts, journal writing, lists, Positive living, Self-empowerment, Spirituality | being in the now, declaring and affirming yourself, I Am, journal writing, journal writing prompt, making declarations, powerful journal writing | Leave a commentI feel most alive when… this evening’s journal writing exercise.
Published March 5, 2013 | 
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!
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Who, What, and How do I Love? A journal writing exercise.
Published February 15, 2013 | 
For my journal writing time this morning, I wish to focus on love.
Simply,
Who do I love?
What do I love?
How do I love?
I can’t wait to get started!
Who do I love?
1. My husband
2. My son and daughter
3. My parents
4. My brother and sister in law
5. My various assortment of friends who have stuck it out with me throughout the years…
What do I love?
1. A beautiful sunset
2. Working out
3. Writing
4. My first cup of coffee in the morning
5. chocolate
How do I love?
1. By being patient with myself and others
2. Being affectionate
3. Choosing to forgive
4. Letting go of perfectionism
5. Listening more
This is really a great exercise. I could have added more to my lists but I need to get off to work and let you start your own…
Have a blessed day!
Debra
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Six things I believe in right now! A journal writing prompt for this evening
Published February 13, 2013 | 
As I settle into this evening, I feel inspired to write in my journal. The prompt is a simple one… what do I believe?
Tonight, at this moment (February 13, 2013 at 7:38 PM)…
I Believe:
1. All storms do pass.
2. I am loved and supported.
3. I believe in The Warm Milk Journal and all the good we are doing in supporting one another…
4. I believe that people are basically good,
5. That my cat, Mew, is the sweetest-
6. And that my husband and daughter are the most precious things in the world to me!
Your turn, friends.
Right now, what do you believe?
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What are you committed to? A journal writing exercise.
Published January 27, 2013 | 
There is nothing wimpy about commitment. If you are making a commitment to something, you care deeply about it.
This evening I offer you a simple but powerful journal writing prompt.
In your journal, write the question: “What am I committed to?” Or, if you prefer to make a declaration: simply, declare: “I Am committed to…” then begin to write. Just see what comes out.
I like this exercise because it quickly galvanizes my brain to focus on the stuff that is very important to me. In a world of limitless distractions (see prior post), I appreciate getting clear from time to time on what really matters to me.
Ready to get started? As I often do, I will start my entry and then it will be your turn!
Let’s see…
I Am committed to:
1. My marriage: keeping our love alive, being supportive, remaining best friends…
2. My kids: encouraging them to make good choices, loving them…
3. My students: being positive, providing meaningful instruction (in academics and in life)…
4. My health: working out, eating good foods, drinking more water, spending time outside, getting “quality me time”…
5. My faith: knowing God loves me and that life works with me.
6. My community: being a good neighbor, a friendly person, and in service as a public school teacher (I work right where I live).
7. My character: working on improving myself always. We are never too old to learn new things!
8. The Warm Milk Journal: Continuing to grow and improve this site so that it remains valuable and a source of support for everyone who wants to live a well balanced life by day and sleep restfully at night.
9. Creating wealth: being a an excellent steward of money, creating an income that will afford my family the life I want for us (which includes a lot of travel and giving back to the community).
If it’s not on this list, I’m not going to sweat it or lose sleep about it. It is gone.
Your turn, friends.
In Peace,
Debra
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What are you thankful for right now?
Published November 22, 2012 | 
What we appreciate appreciates
I Am thankful for:
1. The good food that we have eaten today.
2. The important job(s) that I am entrusted with (being a classroom teacher, mom, and wife).
3. Great music
4. The Macy Day’s Thanksgiving parade that I enjoyed so much while drinking my coffee this morning.
5. Good wine
6. The walk I enjoyed earlier with my husband to the beach and nearby park that we got married in…
7. The fact that my daughter who was on the highway with her dad (on the way to Atlanta) is safe and well despite getting in a car wreck on the highway (thank you God)!
What are you thankful for right now? Write it in your journals. Tell it to your loved ones. Thank God for your blessings tonight in your prayers.
Happy Thanksgiving, all!
In Peace,
Debra
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