How do you keep up with your journal? Like literally how do you stay with the habit - do you leave it out so you have easy access? Is it the magic of the perfect notebook?
It’s a really good journal. So that helps. I have most of the books I’m reading in a stack in the same room. I keep the journal with them. If I hear a quote out in the wild, I try to jot it down on my phone and copy it later.
I also love to collect quotes. For the last few years I've tried to write down a quote a day.
I found Anne Lamott around the same age as you did. I can't say I always agree with everything she says but she still startles me with true, honest words.
“I have a lot of faith and a lot of fear a lot of the time.”
I came into college with a very very narrow lens on faith. My lit professor gave me Traveling Mercies, not as a “this is the way” book but a “people find God in all kinds of ways” book. It helped give me some breathing room. 💙
Lately, I find myself riding my bike while listening to podcasts which means I'm constantly stopping my bike to get a quote down on my phone. The other day I was driving while listening to a podcast and a similar situation, I kept pulling over to write a quote down (there were no transcripts available to go back to at a later time, which is what I often do.) But with my daily habit, I have a page with a quote section along with room for a sketch, a little bit of journaling, and some prayer requests.
Yes, well, in the case of the bike ride, the quotes felt like potential building blocks for a future issue of my newsletter...so, there was motivation! But it's a good reason to choose less-inspiring podcasts while in or on a moving vehicle.
Also: Maya Angelou … Three lines. Twelve words. !!
You recently shared about the pleasure you’ve found in long form writing. I often wonder if I have the heart of a poet. The more that’s packed into a few words, the more I marvel. Though that can happen in a well-crafted line of prose, as well.
At 94, my dad is still writing poetry. Perhaps the draw to it is genetic. Perhaps I need to brave this genre and play a little.
I think some of us are drawn to that short form! Joy Blase (also a poet) once told me on a podcast episode that he was drawn to the specificity of poetry. Maybe you are too. (Also those Maya Angelou lines are just...goodness. So good. You should check out the hole poem. It’s really impactful.
I too have a quote journal, filled with scripture and favorite quotes by others…many regarding prayer. The following quote has been a balm in a dark season:
“True faith is like a light that begins to flicker, however faintly, in the darkness of an experience that beckons us to pray, even when we can hardly find the faith to pray.” Jerry Sittser
Your description of “starring, underlining, dog earring”....this is my life!! I love your journal idea. I may give it a try although with some books it may take me twice as long to get through them (there’s so much good stuff to document) but that’s just an extra bonus as it reminds me to slow down and savor each word. Thank you.
I like the last quote. Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely. It's a good one!
How do you keep up with your journal? Like literally how do you stay with the habit - do you leave it out so you have easy access? Is it the magic of the perfect notebook?
It’s a really good journal. So that helps. I have most of the books I’m reading in a stack in the same room. I keep the journal with them. If I hear a quote out in the wild, I try to jot it down on my phone and copy it later.
Nice! I had a little reading corner in my old house but haven't quite carved one out in the new place!
I also love to collect quotes. For the last few years I've tried to write down a quote a day.
I found Anne Lamott around the same age as you did. I can't say I always agree with everything she says but she still startles me with true, honest words.
“I have a lot of faith and a lot of fear a lot of the time.”
Anne Lamott (from Small Victories)
I came into college with a very very narrow lens on faith. My lit professor gave me Traveling Mercies, not as a “this is the way” book but a “people find God in all kinds of ways” book. It helped give me some breathing room. 💙
Also do you have a special journal where you collect quotes? Or do you do it digitally?
Lately, I find myself riding my bike while listening to podcasts which means I'm constantly stopping my bike to get a quote down on my phone. The other day I was driving while listening to a podcast and a similar situation, I kept pulling over to write a quote down (there were no transcripts available to go back to at a later time, which is what I often do.) But with my daily habit, I have a page with a quote section along with room for a sketch, a little bit of journaling, and some prayer requests.
Well kudos to you for making the effort to get the words down! I think in that scenario I would just not try. 😂
Yes, well, in the case of the bike ride, the quotes felt like potential building blocks for a future issue of my newsletter...so, there was motivation! But it's a good reason to choose less-inspiring podcasts while in or on a moving vehicle.
Silent gratitude... Silent tears. Sums up my grief for the last few years on the accidental loss of our beloved son.
Beautiful words!
Oh Gwendolyn. I ache with you in your loss. We lost a son, too. I’m so very sorry that’s a pain you know.
Wonderful quotes! Wonderful practice!
Also: Maya Angelou … Three lines. Twelve words. !!
You recently shared about the pleasure you’ve found in long form writing. I often wonder if I have the heart of a poet. The more that’s packed into a few words, the more I marvel. Though that can happen in a well-crafted line of prose, as well.
At 94, my dad is still writing poetry. Perhaps the draw to it is genetic. Perhaps I need to brave this genre and play a little.
I think some of us are drawn to that short form! Joy Blase (also a poet) once told me on a podcast episode that he was drawn to the specificity of poetry. Maybe you are too. (Also those Maya Angelou lines are just...goodness. So good. You should check out the hole poem. It’s really impactful.
I too have a quote journal, filled with scripture and favorite quotes by others…many regarding prayer. The following quote has been a balm in a dark season:
“True faith is like a light that begins to flicker, however faintly, in the darkness of an experience that beckons us to pray, even when we can hardly find the faith to pray.” Jerry Sittser
Your description of “starring, underlining, dog earring”....this is my life!! I love your journal idea. I may give it a try although with some books it may take me twice as long to get through them (there’s so much good stuff to document) but that’s just an extra bonus as it reminds me to slow down and savor each word. Thank you.
It does slow things down a bit but so far, I find that to be a good thing.
Lovely thank you ❤🌹🙏