Blog-a-thon Day  29

The responses I received to yesterday's video of Kyle at the piano have been heart-warming. Facebook, email, my next door neighbor... everyone was touched. Most people have not seen this part of Kyle. They do not know his ability to connect because he does not connect in the usual, more noticeable ways. His abilities are hidden when you see him walking down the street. Isn't that true, to some extent, of most of us?

The fun thing about this blog is you never know what posts are going to move people. By yesterday's response, it seems maybe I should post more personal videos. Ha!  Don't worry... I won't overdo this. But from time to time, perhaps I will share what Kyle and I are up to. I'm hoping to have some special moments at Rachel's fast approaching November wedding.  So do stay tuned. 

I have had many people tell me they will miss this daily blog-a-thon. I will miss it too. I love writing and gathering up inspiration. As I offer food for your souls, dear readers, I am feeding my own. Don't worry, you will still be hearing from me. And, I may do another blog-a-thon sometime in the future (not November ).

Speaking of daily writing, if you have read Breathe, you know I talk a lot about journaling in several different formats. I have had an on and off relationship with my journals for many years now. Writing is truly theraputic and when I am not journaling, I feel like I am missing something. Sometimes, it just feels hard to make the time for it and other endeavors take priority.

With blogging (public journaling, in a way), my private journals have been collecting a bit of dust. I am always inspired by Kathy (my good friend & coauthor) in this area because she always seems to make time for her journal. I think we started together in 1994 or so and she has been going strong ever since.

Someone was sharing with me recently that they have trouble knowing what to write when they "try" to journal. Of course, my answer is, "write anything, whatever pops into your mind." This is too loosey, goosey for some so I am going to share with you some starter journal questions. Just in case you have been wanting to try journaling, here's a platform from which  to launch.

I did not make up the first four questions, I got them from a book. However, it has been so long ago, I don't remember which one.

When I use these, I try to answer all of them, though of course, there are no rules. It's fun to look back on entries in years to come and there is always something to learn about yourself especially if you answer them over time (stagnation, growth, you name it).

1- What did you notice today that wasn't about you... had nothing to do with you? (Often this is things of beauty in nature.)

2- What did you do to help support someone else? (Fun to do anonymously)

3- How did you show respect for yourself?

4- What didn't you like today, were unhappy about, was an issue for you, or brought something up for you?

5- What are you grateful for today?

6- Serendipity... Did G-d wink at you through a serendipitious moment? When and how?

Have fun playing with these. And if you are going to play seriously, go get a beautiful journal and special pen for extra motivation.

What do ya think?

PS.. this beautiful video just came into my email box and I can't resist. 

"Each child possesses his own unique package of gifts." Raising Small Souls