Journaling: The Me of Now

One of the things on which I would like to focus more this year is journaling. My preference is for less traditional forms as opposed to narrative-writing style journaling. My favourite journal is called Moon Lists – Questions and Rituals for Self-Reflection: A guided journal, which provides weekly prompts that are, as indicated by the title, in list form. I haven’t been very diligent about using the journal weekly – as a result, I’m only about half way through after a couple of years – but I very much enjoy the process of writing my lists. I find it a very pleasant approach to meditation/self-reflection.

One of my favourite lists to think about and write is called “Who is the You of Now?” The prompt provided states: “a survey of present interests, curiosities, recurring themes … a space for a short list of some front-burner items.” This helps me focus on the things that are currently giving me meaning, enjoyment, amazement, etc., which is a process not-too-distantly related to gratitude journaling but a bit broader in reach.

Recently, I got to thinking that I would like to engage with this process in a more visual/creative way. Why not make visual lists? This would be helpful (and fun) for me not only as a method of self-reflection, but as a creative exercise to help me in my artistic endeavours. I’ve been finding inspiration lately in many non-obvious places, and this will help me focus on those more. I’ve decided to document my lists here, as a way to keep myself accountable, but also in case others find it interesting. I am also doing this on Instagram, where I am hoping to create a community exercise, with others sharing their lists as well.

Here is my list for this week:

One. Mucha

I have had a soft spot for Alphonse Mucha since I was a teenager, but I tend to go in and out of obsession with the Art Nouveau. The interest is very much back “on” again, largely from a fashion/aesthetic perspective. One, I am growing my hair out and fully obsessed with the aesthetics of long, flowing locks. Two, the fashion aspect speaks to my Crone/High Priestess avatar. The mood which Mucha’s drawings evoke for me is very much a mood that I am interested in recreating (in a modern, updated version) in my sartorial experiments.

Two. Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

My kids love this song, and lately whenever I hear it, it makes me think of my mom. Gets me every single time.

Three. The Moon

The semiotics of tarot fascinate me in a general way, but lately it’s the Moon that’s been on my mind the most. The symbolism of the Moon (in astrology and culture in general) is so rich of meaning. I also find that I am craving more connection with nature lately (it’s the middle of winter here, and sometimes that means I don’t leave the house for days on end), and for some reason that’s when I start to pay more attention to the lunar cycles. I don’t know what it means, but that’s the beauty of this list – not everything needs to be explained.

Four. Birds of paradise

I’m working on a large embroidery featuring birds of paradise, so naturally, I have been looking at a lot of images. They’ve never been my favourite flower, but I have to say that I appreciate their uniqueness and their colour story. So fun to embroider!

Five. Poirot/Marple

I have been re-reading my Christie collection; it’s comfort food during cold, dark days. I have also have the ITV series playing in the background on loop while I’m crafting; it’s my Law & Order. This time around, I find that I’m really appreciating the set design and costuming, especially on the Poirot series (generally set in the 1930s). So much house design eye candy. I also can’t get enough of the slinky evening gowns, and sharply tailored daytime suits – the midi length pencil/column skirts paired with fitted tops/blazers, are everything.