Finishing Things and Learning Lessons

Recently I finished an entire notebook that I started using as a journal about two years ago. I’m not much of a journal-er, as is evident in the fact that it took me two years to fill it. However it was really fun, and it feels pretty good to have covered every page with my own words. Since this was the first time I had finished a notebook, and the first time that I used a notebook for one purpose the whole way through, my last entry was a bit of a conclusion to the whole thing, and it’s something that I want to share.

Last page in my notebook!

"End of an Era (I sometimes titled my entries)

    " Well, it looks like this is the last entry in this book. What a journey. I guess it’s been two years. I feel very different and like nothing has changed all at the same time. Anyway, I just wanted to note some lessons along the way.

1. My intuition was right. There was something wrong with my brain (Dythemia).*
2. I am a-okay on my own—don’t need to have a group/clique, don’t need to be afraid to ditch the kids I had been stuck with in classes for so long.
3. Don’t underestimate love. Yes, it’s wonderful, but—even if you know it will end eventually and think you’re prepared for that—breakups hurt like hell.
4.  Even if you don’t care about appearance, chopping off all your hair seriously changes your life—for the better, in my case.
5.  Just be nice. Be nice to everybody. A friend can be found in anyone, even the people you least expect.
6. Don’t be lazy (still working on that one). I always feel better on days when I make myself do something that I should do.
7. Addicts are just like anybody else. They don’t want to be addicted, and they need help just like any other sick person.
8. I’m VERY fortunate.
9. God answers. My boyfriend was an answer to a prayer. Knowing when to leave was an answer to prayer. I got accepted into the school that I prayed to get into even after I realized it wasn’t for me. And the list goes on.
10. Try new things. Writer’s camp in particular proves this point best.
11. Don’t feel bad for not doing something that would make you miserable—it’s okay to be an introvert.
12. I’m not too young to get published (thanks, Kate), just too lazy.
13. Be genuine. I’m always very honest and simple with my stage presence while performing, and I think people pick up on that and seem to enjoy it.
14. Spread love—not hate."

*I originally started this notebook for two purposes. 1, I thought something was wrong with me and wanted to write in it every day. I only did that for a week, though, and eventually gave up on that notion. And 2, to get practice writing because I wanted to start a blog. Some of the entries were even blog-style. And look where we are now—I’m doing it!

So there you have it. Since finishing this one, I’ve begun another journal but am keeping it less strict—not limiting it to “journal entries.” I usually start new notebooks before finishing an old one, and then they just pile up as I switch back and forth between writing in them. Honestly, that can get a bit overwhelming, and flipping through them kept me stuck on old ideas.

Working through one—functionally, and not just a journal—is helping me to be more prolific. It also helps that I’m excited about the feeling I’ll get when I’m finished and will have another full book. As I’ve said before, just getting words and ideas onto paper is half of the battle with writing, and often one of the hardest parts. So, in some ways, being excited over filling a notebook or journal can be very helpful and I definitely recommend trying to anyone interested.

I've been trying my hand at lettering lately

“If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.”― Margaret Atwood

As always, feel free to start up a conversation in the comments with any questions, similar stories, or a simple hello!