In my first Wreck This Journal post, (Letting Go), I promised to explain the rip in the binding. In the original image of my journal, there is a rather large tear at the bottom of the spine. Never in my life had I allowed something so destructive to befall a book and I should have been horrified. However, a wild bout of activity has a funny way of changing a long held opinion.
At one point in the journal, there is a page that literally gives instructions to attach the journal to a string and swing it wildly. The book lover in me cringed, but the curious explorer within was already looking for the yarn I knew was hiding in the closet. I nestled the yarn along the spine and tied it into a good knot. The last thing I wanted was for the yarn to come undone and send the journal flying towards the two other people in the room.
With the yarn secure and a tight grasp on the ends, I started to swing the journal over my head, around in circles, and with flailing zigzags all around my body. The journal hit the walls and the closet doors several times, all while flapping open and closed. As for me, I giggled with primal joy.
Upon inspection, I found the yarn had torn an inch long gash up the binding! The destruction was severe, but to my utter and complete surprise it felt great. I decided it gave the book some real character and provided the first real evidence that it was living up to its title. I documented this adventure with some markers and a silver metallic pen so as to never forget my journal’s wild flight. Like so many other journal activities, this one changed my perspective in a profound way.
The idea of breaking so many rules (without hurting anyone) reminded me of how much freedom there is when it comes to creativity and imagination. I can do anything. I can create anything. I can. I can. I can! These are powerful words and they kept repeating in my head as I whipped the journal round and round.
This experience made me go back and think about how much freedom I allow myself when I write. Sometimes we get so caught up in wondering what everyone else will think or whether a publisher will be interested, we forget the true essence of what it means to write. A writer can create any character, any story . . . anything. For a long time, I jumped into my novel nitpicking every “right” way to write a story. Then, I realized I didn’t set out to write my book because I could figure out a novel formula. I had a story to tell and I had to give myself the freedom to tell it in my own voice and in my own way.
I can. I can. I can.
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Previous Wreck This Journal posts:
c.b. 2011
That’s an interesting post. It reminds me of something I wrote recently on my blog. Really great stuff you got here. Keep up the good work!
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Thanks. 🙂
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I would KILL (okay, maim…okay, okay, speak in harsh terms) somebody to own one of your journals. I think you should be customizing these for people and selling them. Even looking at them is a joy and an inspiration to me! Yours is one of my fave blogs. E-ver.
-lynn@skydiaries, w/love
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Thank you! 🙂
I love to hear these entries are as inspiring to other people as much they are to me. So far, this journal has really been an amazing experience. Thanks for joining in the fun and stay inspired!!!
p.s. I appreciate the subscription! Thank you.
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I love it, love it, love it!
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Thanks! 🙂
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You CAN! 😀
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Yes!!
So can you! 🙂
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🙂 …just arrived back from a quick excursion to the jungle, swingeing from tree to tree, drumming my chest and yelling heeyaah-heeyaheeyaaaah…
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LOL! 😀
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tarzan no know spelling…
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I finally, FINALLY ordered this book today! Waiting in hot anticipation for it to arrive… 🙂
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How exciting! I can’t wait to see what you do with it! 🙂
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Yowch! I start breaking out in a cold sweat just thinking about being so uninhibited! I Can?
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Can!! 🙂
That’s the beauty of Wreck This Journal, it gives you a reason to do things you otherwise wouldn’t. While the journal is a great source of inspiration, I’m learning as time goes by that it was in me all along. I still play by the rules and hold true to who I am, but I’m more aware and curious of my boundaries . . . and even more willing to push at them. 🙂
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Thanks for the reminder to let go, with art and with writing. Let go of the ordinary and expand the vision….be free to wander. I have a Wreck This Journal on its way from Amazon. Can’t wait!
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Freedom is the ultimate catalyst for creativity. 🙂
How exciting to hear you have a Wreck This Journal on the way! I hope you share your pages on your blog!
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Great post. I’m always amazed at your views on wrecking a journal and life in general. Besides the rest of it you got some exercise. hey. The new fad . . . Wreck This Journal Exercise Plan.
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Sounds like the perfect way to work off all that chocolate we eat! 😉
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I love your journal’s story! So true and fun and free. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Thanks! There are many more to come. I’m amazed at how every page has such a strong impact. 🙂
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I have yet to get to this part in the journal but I giggled when I read it and I can’t wait to try it out!
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One day that page will just jump out and beg to be completed! Give it a good whip and I hope it brings you loads of inspiration. 🙂
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I so wanna own this book… its fun!
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It is fun! Thanks for following along. 🙂
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