colector: Re: [JournalWriting] I'm new here!

Welcome-

Ah, a fellow Chicagoan.

Christina <chirockchick@yahoo.com> wrote:

Hi all. Just joined the group and wanted to introduce myself. Here goes! :-)

1. Name - Christina

2. Where are you from? (general area is fine) – I grew up in Ohio but have been living in Chicago for almost 13 years.

3. How long have you been journaling? I have never journaled regularly, so it's hard to determine a starting point. I've been interested in writing as long as I can remember, though, and recall keeping a diary when I was very young - the little book kind that locked with a gold key! Wonder whatever happened to that....

4. Why did you start journaling? I express myself most clearly and easily through writing.

5. What is your favorite journaling method? I am a huge fan of stream of consciousness writing.

6. What is your favorite journaling related book? I have never used one, but would love to try!

7. What would you like to learn about journaling? I want to learn about different ways to explore myself, to unleash the creativity that I know is lurking inside me, and to move beyond writing what seems like the "same things" or the "daily grind" over and over.

8. What are some of your other interest? (type of reading, hobbies, work, family, etc.) I love to read, travel, cook, learn, laugh, love, and explore. My top five favorite books are (in no particular order): The Handmaid's Tale/Margaret Atwood, I Know This Much Is True/Wally Lamb, The Secret History/Donna Tartt, A Widow for One Year/John Irving, and Insomnia/Stephen King.

9. What type of journal do you use? I currently have a Moleskin flip journal - the kind that Hemingway used! But I actually don't even remember the last time I wrote in it. Sad....

10. Are you a regular or intermittent writer? I'm currently intermittent but am striving to become a regular writer.

This past year has been an extremely difficult one for me - filled with some pretty incredible transitions. I separated from my husband of 8 years last January (we were together for 12 years - since we were 19), am living along for the first time ever, and my divorce was final just last month. It is difficult for me to put pen to paper when I am in the throes of extreme pain, as I've experienced this year. I do believe in the healing power of writing one's thoughts, however, so I'd like to learn how to move beyond. I also believe in positive thinking, and I feel that everything happens for a reason. I am who I am because of my past experiences, and I have a whole lot of those to share in narrative form! I'm looking forward to learning and sharing with all of you.

Thanks!

Christina

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