1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risks.
2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
3. Follow the three R’s
   • Respect for self;
   • Respect for others and
   • Responsibility for all your actions
4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly
6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship.
7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
8. Spend some time alone every day
9. open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back. you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
14. Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
15. Be gentle with the earth.
16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
19. Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.

One thing you should know about me is that I’m always working. Even when I’m playing, my brain is processing everything around me in such a way that if something should happen to be useful for work, I’m all over it…mentally noting it for later research or implementation. (Take a look at our zoo pictures from last year’s summer getaway for more “evidence” of everything being a source of business learning or inspiration for me).

Now, I was somewhat familiar with Build a Bear Workshop’s “story” from a show I had seen in the past. But, it had sort of fallen into those dark, cobwebbed recesses of my mind until yesterday when we went for our Build a Bear Experience. It’s a neat story….you should really check it out.

First Impressions

As you know, I’m very detail oriented. It’s one of my company’s signatures - the high level of attention to every little detail. I know that we pay attention to details that some of our customers don’t even notice. For me, that’s fine - the details are important in what we do, and whether every little detail is noticed right away, later on, or never…..they are there, and that’s very important to me.

When we walked into the door at the local Build a Bear, their attention to detail was very obvious. A happy associate greeted us at the door - and even though we were a little early for the party - she went right to work getting everything arranged for us. I also noticed a detail that I found sort of shocking, considering the “usual” prevailing thought in most retail outlets. Their most inexpensive bears (and bunnies) were actually right inside the door - not clear at the back like most retail outlets position their lower price point items.

So, when the associate got everything ready for the party, the kids had already picked out their bears - at least most of them had. The associate let them know that if they picked bears from “this area” they would also be able to get this and that accessories with it. One thing I didn’t mention that I should have for those of you who haven’t done a build a bear party….they let you set a budget for each child BEFORE the party. I think that’s fantastic, especially from a mom’s point of view. It could get pretty expensive if each child is left to his or her own devices…..but, the associates know the budget and steer the kids to where they are going to get the most for their budget. I LOVED that from a mom’s perspective.

Anyway, that’s where my first revelation came in - the positioning of the bears were not the typical retail outlet positioning - the least expensive bears were towards the front of the store, with the bear-price appearing to move upward as you went to the back. I think that is *fabulous* - kudos to Build a Bear for bucking the trend!

That’s not where my learning experience ended, though. I totally appreciated that pretty much every step of the process totally involved the new bear’s owner/friend. For the party, each child (this includes everyone…I didn’t make a bear - I thought it would be too distracting….but, at some point, I will go back alone and make a bear to “suck up” more inspiration about the process) got to pick out 2 hearts. (I like this detail too) - I heart went to their own bear…the other went in the birthday girls’ bear (bunny, actually)….so, Fiona not only had the heart she picked out to go in her bear….BUT, she also had the hearts her friends picked out, put well wishes “into”, and kissed and hugged. While she will likely never see the hearts again (unless one of the dogs wants stuffed bunny for dinner), she knows they are there. So, it’s a detail that is unseen, but, not unappreciated. I LOVE that.

Then came the stuffing.

All the bears were taken over to this huge fluff machine. I remember thinking how much fun a fluff machine could be. Not that I need one….but, it was really relaxing watching the fluff..fluffing. Each child was asked how they wanted their bear stuffed (do you want it soft and fluffy or strong and firm - well, that wasn’t exactly what they said…but, that was the idea). I wasn’t surprised when they all wanted something a little different. That’s one of the beautiful things that Build a Bear can offer - whether a person wants a bear that is really softly stuffed…or whether they want one that can stand on its stuffing all on its own (strong and firm), you can have it. For obvious reasons, that was not lost on me.

After everyone stuffed their bunnies,bears, monkeys, and dogs….they gave their new friends an “air bath” - and while this was adorable and definitely unique…something else occured to me then - the whole store was setup in a very kid friendly way. The kids didn’t need to know how to read to be able to do the things in the store. Under the air bath, for example, there was a foot pedal with a big bear print on it. It didn’t take long for them to realize they put THEIR foot there to make the air bath work. Clever….and not the usual “boring” pictorials to tell us what to do.

During the stuffing and bathing time….I had some “free” time to watch how things were going in the store in general. First thing I noticed? The employees seems genuinely happy to be there. I can’t think of the last time I went into a retail establishment (or even an office type environment) where everyone seemed happy to be there and not there simply to earn money. It was refreshing. There wasn’t tension in the air like you find in other work environments. And, the “happy” wasn’t fake. I mean, I wouldn’t want employees who seemed unhappy working with my customers - but, “fake happy” is almost worse than blatantly unhappy.

The choices in the workshop were numerous. I mean, it was a little overwhelming for some of our party goers. I understood this from working with my own customers. I think giving people options - so they can create *exactly* what they want is really important. But, it seems like the corporate culture of making things as cheap and as fast as possible have gotten people out of the habit of expecting to get exactly what they want. In other words, I think current corporate culture has killed creativity, and (almost worse) has forced consumers to lower their expectations - either in what they want, in how something will work for them, in quality, or in individual style. I think that’s a terrible tragedy - but, I was so thrilled to find another company out there that didn’t want to put its customers into a box and force them to stay there. To help with all the choices, the associates were right there to help our party goers and the other “guests” at Build a Bear. And, I loved that. That help is why I still do almost all of my company’s customer service….I want to make sure that whoever is answering the phone keeps the customer’s wishes in focus and helps guide them through the numerous choices that we offer.

After stuffing their bears, the kids went on to the task of “accessorizing” and “dressing” their bears, bunnies, monkeys, and puppies. This is where the most choices came into play….and probably the most chaos. Kids were going every direction, and working on what they could get and stay within their budget. Even when one of our party goers decided (after things were figured up) that she was going to change outfits for her bear, the associate was so kind and calm and simply went through the tags and made the adjustments necessary. Truly, it was a place where kids could be kids….and people were allowed to change their minds - mid stream.

After everyone was created, dressed, and appropriately accessorized, the kids sat down at the computers to make the “birth certificates” for each of their new friends. This was another area where useability for kids who didn’t necessarily read was thoughtfully implemented. On the screen the instructions were easy to follow….and the keyboards were modified with colored buttons - so, between the pictures, the colors, and the words, most of the kids could get through the birth certificates on their own (with very few issues - we had a non-reader, and several of the 6 year olds obviously didn’t spend as much time on/with a computer as Fiona….so, we really got a neat sampling among our party goers with the experience).

At the end of the party, each bear got it’s own “house”, birth certificate, and, of course, many pictures to commemorate the event. I am sure that none of them will ever forget Build a Bear - and, I’m also positive that they have a customer for life in me. I was so terribly impressed with their detail orientation and their true “build it like you want it” philosophy (unlike the build it like *we* want you to think you want it philosophy of 99% of the retail outlets out there.) In a world where “custom” rarely means “custom” - Build a Bear is definitely an inspiration.

While I was there, I also picked up the book: “The Bear Necessities of Business, Building a Company with Heart” by Maxine Clark, the founder of Build a Bear Workshop. I’ve not read a great deal of it at this point (mostly because I’m taking notes and highlighting as I read and get another idea for something I can implement in our business or a small change I would like to try to better serve our customers)….but, so far, it’s definitely an excellent read and one that I would recommend to anyone - whether you are building your own business or working for someone else.

One thing she mentions in the book that I LOVE the idea of (and am wanting to implement) is that they have a wall of pictures in their corporate headquarters of their “guests” - to remind them why they do what they do. I think that’s fantastic. I have a book right now that I have the stories of our customers….the stories are really what stick with us and are part of the reason why we do what we do. I think those stories - those connections - are really the lifeblood of our business….and while we don’t always get to hear the stories (people think they are dealing with some huge corporation that doesn’t care…so, we don’t always get to hear the stories)….the ones we do have - and the great pictures we get sometimes - are worth their weight in gold to us. I keep the book out where all of us can flip through it. We already know the stories by heart. When I get the privilege of hearing a story behind an order…I always write it down and share with everyone - because that provides that incredible connection between our work and our customers….and helps us always remember that what we do does make a difference to that person. Every step of our process - from tearing paper for our journals to individually (and carefully) packaging each product….because whatever we have created is important to THAT customer….to their life. So, while we know we aren’t working on a cure for cancer…..each of us feels like we are making a difference

I see alot of commonalities between what Build a Bear does and what Saving Grace Enterprises does….and, I’m so happy I had the privilege of the Build a Bear experience.

For those of you who didn’t hear, in summary, I was contacted about a month ago by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. to create a custom leather guest book (journal) to be used at the “Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon” program during the Smithsonian’s 42nd Annual FolkLife Festival. You can read more about the order, the personal invitation from the curator of the Bhutan program, and the custom leather book presentation (to the Prince of Bhutan - His Royal Highness PRince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck), as well as the custom leather book’s final destination - with the King of Bhutan - the Fifth Druk Gyalpo His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, at the Saving Grace Enterprises Corporate site: Lead Artist Present Custom Leather Book for Smithsonian.

For personal commentary and even more photos, you can visit my album of the trip at Flicker: Photos and commentary from my Smithsonian trip

For me, this was really the trip of a lifetime in many ways. Not only did I get the opportunity to create something for the Smithsonian, but, I also got to meet a “real life” prince. It wasn’t until the evening after the ceremony that it hit me that I just met a prince! That’s certainly something that not everyone can say!

He was a very kind man. I am not sure how he can see - I definitely was blinded by the constantly flashing camera bulbs during the ceremony. It was sort of like having lightning flashing 2 feet in front of your eyes for an extended period of time. I asked him, during a moment of udder blindness if he ever got tired of all the pictures and pomp all the time….and he simply smiled and said “I’m getting used to it.”

That was a fair answer. And, I wondered at the time if one could ever really get used to it. Of course, I’m sort of a recluse anyway….so, maybe it would change if I got out more.

We were privileged to be able to stay at the same hotel as the festival participants…which meant that we could interact with the Bhutanese people (as well as those from NASA and Texas). I have to say that I was always *thrilled* to see anyone from Bhutan during our hotel stay. They were always very nice and were happy to chat about anything. They were very proud of their country, as well - and in a day and age when pride in one’s country (particularly when you are living in the U.S. and listening to the standard/drive-by media) seems to be fleeting (in actuality, I don’t think it is….but, the appearance, most likely, to the “outside world” may be quite different - think about what they see - the fleeting glances at our culture, and it wouldn’t be surprisingly if they did believe we weren’t proud of our own country)…it was very heartwarming.

Additionally, the Bhutanese taught me some valuable things through their actions and interactions. Mind you - we had everyone from Buddhist Monks to Bhutanese artists and farmers at the hotel - so, it was a real cross section of their society. You could easily see that “connection” was important to them.

Connection to one another. To “home” (Bhutan), family, spirituality. To the arts - of a wide variety. They were obviously interconnected in many ways…and obviously valued that connection. I would love to visit Bhutan someday and really immerse myself in their culture. I’m sure there are many things they could teach all of us - and I would love to learn.

I think that is one of the main things I took home with me. The importance of connection.

I also brought home a renewed sense of value in art. In Bhutan, they have what’s called “Zorig Chusum” which are the 13 traditional arts that are terribly important to the people of Bhutan - including the special techniques that are used to create their magnificent art.

I spent some time in their art areas….I was totally enthralled by not only the reverence with which they treated their craft…but, also the reverence of their art itself. I think that is one thing that is very difficult for me in American society - we don’t really value art (unless it’s ancient art)….nor do we hold it up to any importance. We almost have come to a point where one could argue we value science over all else. It’s sort of sad, really. Science is important…..BUT, we shouldn’t revert to the half brained pre-renaissance thinking that only arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, music, grammar, logic, and rhetoric were accepted as the noble disciplines - “the foundation of knowledge”. Art, in all its forms (well, almost all its forms…I think we’ve come to define “art” terribly loosely…some “art” - I just don’t see…particularly “pop” art), is a noble discipline that enriches the mind, body, and spirit and often walks hand in hand with other “noble disciplines”.

Da Vinci is quoted as saying “study the science of art and the art of science.” Truly, there’s no separation between the two.

Okay…back to my point. I was really overwhelmed by both the event (the presentation of the book to the Prince of Bhutan), the way it came to me (the Smithsonian ordering the book), where it was going (to the King of Bhutan), AND the interactions and observations of the Bhutanese delegation - to the point that I’m still working on processing everything….while still attempting to work and keep up.

I hope you enjoy the photos and sharing “the experience”. And, in your free time, you may want to learn more about Bhutan and her people….its an incredible culture that, instead of throwing itself headlong into the world….has slowly integrated the world into its culture, and has magnificently preserved its core foundations during the entire process.

Francie Ward, CEO of IdeaCafe.com, explained that the semi-finalists (and the finalists) for this grant, The Al Marks Inventive Mind Grant, “demonstrate an inventive approach which will inspire others who come to IdeaCafe.com seeking advice on starting and running a business, plus they have a plan to reach out and help others in some way.”

Now I need your help…
Idea Cafe is opening up the selection of the one winner to the vote of Idea Cafe’s entire audience (and the world, if they wish to show up and vote).

In addition to the votes I will get from Idea Cafe’s current audience, I am inviting my readers, friends, family, clients and customers to support my chance of winning the $1,000.00 small business grant. Simply go to the Al Marks’ inventive mind small business grant finalists page, click on the link to cast your vote, and vote for “Dee Phipps”.

Please note that voting on the grant winner is a privilege reserved for registered Idea Cafe Regulars. But if anyone who wants to vote is not already a Regular, you can quickly sign up at the “voting booth” so you can access it through Idea Cafe’s “Members’ Door”. There is no charge to sign up as an Idea Cafe regular and it just means you will get special privileges (such as being able to vote for me), plus receive Idea Cafe’s “Biz Tips” newsletter twice a month. You can get off the list at any time, but I am asking that you do not do so immediately so that your vote will be sure to count.

Idea Cafe is accepting votes from now until midnight Pacific Time, Saturday, August 11, 2007. Within the next days after that, they will tally the votes and announce the grant winner. The winner will be determined by the number of votes cast by Idea Cafe’s regulars (remember if you are not a regular, you can sign up to be a regular at no charge, and have the privilege of voting!) and announced online on August 15, 2007, Idea Cafe’s 12th anniversary online.

You can learn more about my business by visiting SavingGraceEnterprises.com.

Learn more about the Al Mark’s Inventive Mind Grant by visiting the small business grant center at Idea Cafe. And, please make sure to vote for me, Dee Phipps, before Saturday, August 11, 2007 at midnight, Pacific.

I took over 300 pictures on the 2 day vacation…I won’t share all of them here (at least this time!), because some were reference for me. You can bet that some of these will end up on leather once I’m able to work on some new framed pieces!

The first day started out at Henry Doorly Zoo - one of my favorites in the midwest.

This little marmoset had a cataract or something going on with it’s left eye. The lighting conditions weren’t great, but here he is. It’s just the sort of thing that would *seem* like a nice pet….except that it’s wild.

I’m not a huge “bird fan” - I mean, I like birds, but, usually by the time we are through the entire zoo, I’ve seen more than my share. However, this quartet (and the sextet below) were just striking…their colors, their positions, everything - I couldn’t resist getting a picture to share.

Okay, I don’t really remember what these were…..But, those stripey tails were the best! It’s hard to tell, but, I think there were about a dozen of these all curled up together.

I’m a total sucker for any waterscapes…this waterfall, which flows from the top of Lied Jungle to the floor (about 2 stories) is one of my favorites.

I’m not terribly patient as a photographer (and I’m using that term loosely!)….this Tamarin definitely tried my patience as he didn’t seem to want to sit still long enough for me to focus and get a good picture. This is as good as it got!

I just LOVE these tropical plants! I would have 50 in my backyard if they would survive! (Of course, if the humidity keeps up like it has been, they probably would!)

I’m also a penguin fan. Hey, don’t laugh! They just seem so happy - holding wings and all. Frankly, they remind me of a chorus line….I half expect them to start kicking their legs in unison!

Hehehehehe, SQUISHIES!! I just love the lighting for this tank….Jelly fish seem so darn peaceful to me - floating and gently flowing all the time. I know they are dangerous (I’ve seen Finding Nemo a million times thanks to my 4 year old!), but, they are quite beautiful in their dangerosity!

Here’s the first of the “family” pictures….This is my niece, Ashley & my football player (oops, I mean son), Mike. Ashley is also my apprentice. : )

This is a little picture of my girls….I cropped the image closely because my great-nieces were also in the picture, and I thought it best to protect their privacy.

These giraffes were definitely awesome (have I mentioned that I want to do a giraffe pictorial on leather? I’m serious! They are just beautiful!) There were some shots that I missed…when the giraffe to the left flipped her head around and they almost made a heart with their necks and heads. Awwww, it was so cute! I was a little concerned that it may be giraffe mating season, so, we didn’t stay here too terribly long.

This giraffe seemed a little more tame, so, Fia climbed up for a picture. : )

Well, if one of them does it, the other has to as well…Here’s Cori on the same giraffe.

I don’t know what it is about the zoo…it seems to bring out the photogenic side of my kids…Here’s another of Mike.

I couldn’t resist this shot…..It looked like the Ostrich was telling the Zebra a secret….a really, really, long one…they were like this for quite some time - then the Zebra started shaking his head like he was laughing - no, I’m serious!

These cheetahs were just looking for a cool place to relax…..It happened to be under a tree WAY at the back of their area….Thank goodness for “zoom”.

By this time, Mike is getting tired of the zoo….But, he will still happily “pose” for the camera.

The momma sealions were happily sunning themselves on the OTHER side of the rocks from the new baby…..as usual, the bull male was swimming around the outer edge of the rock formation making ALOT of noise (what is THAT about?)

Had to change positions for maximum sunnage.

This snow leopard was just rudely awakened by the zoo people. I think he thought it was feeding time, because he was definitely irritated when no one opened up their little door!

A pea hen & chick.

Okay, this is neat….I learned that an African elephant got its name because when it’s ears are extended, they are in the shape of Africa. How cool is that? This picture is actually from the train - and believe me, this is a GREAT picture considering that train ride!

This was actually before the train ride (I know, it’s out of order, but, I was trying to spread out the pictures of my animals children. …so, I let it get a little out of order. Mike’s still in a picture taking mood….I can’t quite figure it out, but, I’m happy to oblige!

Here’s a closeup from the previous shot.

Now, there was quite a bit of excitement at the hotel too! Fiona decided that she needed to learn how to swim. I don’t know why she decided it, but, she did…and she did - at least as long as the floaties were on her arms (by the way, they don’t actually keep them above water unless they are kicking, too!)

Here’s all three of them in the pool…note that Fia (in the middle) isn’t letting ANYONE touch her!

Mike was good enough to stay near here in the pool on the morning of the 2nd day…I didn’t swim that day….I had too much chlorine from the night before.

Here’s my baby…sniff, sniff….”swimming” on her own! I shouldn’t have been surprised, but, I was…

After the morning swim, we headed to Strategic Air Command (OH, I have some GOOD pictures from here…well, not good-good…more like “good-for-graduation-slide-show-good”)

Then, we went to the wildlife drive through zoo (okay, there is a name for it…it just escapes me at the moment)…These elk were right next to us. I DIDN’T break the rules and get out of the vehicle…but, I did open the van door to get some pictures (okay, and I *occasionally* stood on the running boards of the van and leaned over the top to get some shots) ….We actually had to stop for a few minutes since some of the herd decided it was going to meander across the road as we were approaching.

Here’s another good shot of the Elk…I could have TOUCHED them, we were so close…the kids weren’t happy…they were pretty sure that the open van door was an invitation for the elk to attack.

These buffalo were way up on the bluff….BUT, I just loved their romping and playing in the dust. I actually got a few shots of them coming up out of the water hole (before this)…but, most of those pictures featured their backends, and I thought I would spare you the hind shots. : )

Hope you enjoyed the mini photo shoot from our vacation….If you made it this far - congratulations!

There will be more posted eventually…although it may be after our next vacation, it’s hard to say.

Until then…..

Make Every Moment Count!

The “worst part” of doing this particular piece was deciding how I was going to modify the technique I wanted to use in order to produce the effect I wanted.

Here’s the original piece, once it was carved & hand tooled on the leather:

Here is the same piece, finished & framed….

Make every moment count,

How awesome is that?!?

Nancy at Womens Media and I had discussed these mini coaching lessons late last year,  when they were planning to launch the mini-coaching lessons feature, and they have had some great mini coaching lessons so far!  It’s an incredible opportunity, and I was happy to offer a mini-coaching lesson to all the great women who visit Womens Media!  I’m honored to be selected as this week’s featured coach.

You can find the mini coaching lesson here.  Or, this week (while it’s featured), you can also find it from the Womens Media home page.

To add a little personal perspective, I found Nancy to be a wonderful & quite savvy woman, and Womens Media is a fabulous site with TONS of great information and resources for today’s working women…it was truly and honor and privilege to work with her and write this mini coaching lesson.  I have to admit I was thrilled when I received the email from her letting me know that I was the featured coach this week, and am looking forward to possibly having the opportunity to write another mini coaching lesson for Womens Media again in the future.

On another somewhat-related note, we’ve also finished the redesign and launched the gorgeous new design at My Holistic Health Coach - if you haven’t been there for a few weeks, you may want to pop by and take a look.

Recently, I happened upon a conversation regarding the worth of using essential oils to achieve holistic healing, rather than relying on pharmokopeia (mind you, we are talking therapeutic grade, properly distilled from organic sources, properly processed, and properly packaged - these comments do *not* apply to essential oils of lesser quality - to that end, I suggest that you know about the essential oils you use or plan to use and make sure you are getting the best available!). The comment was made that this person hadn’t experienced any “miraculous healings” from the use of particular essential oils. While I have seen many incredible results from using essential oils, I replied with the following:

(important disclaimer: The information in this article is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or substitute for professional medical assistance - (remember, I am a holistic health coach, NOT an allopathic medical doctor). It is provided as information only for your better understanding of holistic health. In case of medical need, please consult the appropriate professional for your situation.)

Now, what I’m about to say may anger some people, but, I think it’s important for this to be said. The oils, while truly amazing, may not heal everything.

We are triunal (3 part) beings. Illness of the mind can affect the body, illness of the spirit can affect the body, illness of the body can effect mind and spirit - they are all connected. The oils *can* heal - they were given to us for a reason, and I believe that reason is to bless us with health.

However, just because they *can* heal, if we have illness in other areas of our beings - they may not heal - not to mention that we need to make sure we are treating the root cause and not just the symptoms. This is a tricky thing, because I’ve seen the oils produce amazing results even when the person had a condition other than health in another area (mind, spirit) - but, they are all interrelated.

The oils do work, but, they can not counteract everything - and we must also avoid the allopathic model of treating only symptoms - and not ever getting to the root cause of the problem. Possibly there is more going on than a “simple” physical ailment or a few colds - there may be (and probably is) a larger thing going on here, and getting to the root cause and working towards healing that will give you the results you are seeking.
What I usually look at, and recommend others look at is what is going on when you are actually catching the colds or experiencing any plethora of symptoms. What is your life like? Are you getting sleep, water? Are you overly stressed? Are you feeling spiritually full or lost?

This is where the art of journaling gets involved in the art of health.  You need to make sure that you are looking at the “big picture”, rather than treating each symptom or ailment as an individual, separate from anything and everything else.

When you are journaling, you can note particular things in relation to any ailments you seem to be having (particularly recurring things):  Does it seem to get better and worse? What is happening when that happens? Is there a common thing happening in your mind, spirit, or physical surroundings? Is there something in your diet that is triggering it? Emotionally? Physically? Spiritually?

The point of this questioning is to see where the root lies - typically, the symptom is only a signal of something larger that needs addressed. The final answer as to whether you choose to use high quality therapeutic grade essential oils to treat yourself in a holistic, natural manner, must come from you.

You have a decision to make in your own mind whether this is something you can trust, whether it’s (like a good friend used to say to me) “really real”. Until you are absolutely sure that this is “real”, your doubt (or unbelief) may hinder the effectiveness of a sound natural treatment because their unconcious mind is blocking some of the potential healing.

I’ve used oils for things and it didn’t work, from a scientific perspective - that happens quite frequently - there are many allopathic treatments that work for some and not all. Possibly with your body chemistry, that particular oil wasn’t what the cause needed - every person is similar in many ways, but, we all have our own flora and chemistry that is slightly different.

Mind and spirit will also effect this individuality. If one doesn’t work and I get a feeling I should try something else (it may not even be recommended or listed in the EODR), I usually have the desired results from that.

Finally, I just want to mention that *everyone* has instincts that will lead them in the right direction. I know where these come from, but, different people believe differently. There are people that have learned to “drown out” that small still voice that speaks to us, but, that doesn’t mean it’s not there - it’s just been overridden. Even in that case, it’s possible to return to listening to your instincts…it just takes a conscious decision and carefully watched action.

Now, I will admit that I have a bias about journalling. I’ve journalled as long as I can remember with only very short periods of hiatus. However, I know, without a doubt, that it has made my life richer and helped me see the meaning and path of my life.

There are many reasons that journalling should play an important role in your life. And, yes, it is an “art” - the art of journalling, however, requires no special tools or prior experience. The art of journaling can be “picked up” with a pencil and a scrap of paper (although I don’t recommend writing on scraps of paper - for good reason - more on that in a moment!)

The art of journalling - simplified:

Here are just a few examples of why the art of journalling is a good practice in your daily life:

1) Journalling gives you a “release” for your mind. You will find that, as you pick up the art of journaling and turn it to a “habit” of journaling daily, you will rest better and find those pesky “attention deficit” mannerisms disappearing.

When you write in a journal (particularly prior to going to bed), you are giving yourself a place to remember things and vent things that have troubled you through your day. As you do this, it gives your brain a “break”. The act of writing those things that are “on your mind” down actually (internally) gives your brain permission to let go of those things which produces a much more restful sleep. It’s almost as if you are telling your brain “see, it’s here, in black and white (or purple and white - depending on what color you are writing in) - so, you can rest and not worry about remembering these things.

This simple act “quiets your mind” and will often alleviate insomnia and fitful sleep, when you wake up with something on your mind and it won’t leave you alone. This also gives your brain permission to “dump” what it’s currently holding onto and allows you the ability to focus on the task at hand during your day - and, many people report that it actually makes remembering the most important things much easier!

This is why we say that the art of journaling is good for the brain!

2) The art of journaling produces a release for your emotions too. If you’ve ever had a day where, by the end, you feel like you are “vibrating” from all the negative (or positive) emotional buildup, journaling will benefit you.

The art of journaling acts as a safe emotional dumping ground. You can write about people, places, or things that invoked strong emotional reactions from you, and this act of writing them will allow you to “cleanse” yourself emotionally at the end of every day. Our emotions play an important role in our lives - and will effect us (mind, body, and spirit) - either in a positive or negative way. So, the simple act of journaling will allow you to gain perspective on those strong emotional reactions and will allow you to start each day with a clean slate.

This aspect of the art of journaling often makes you more calm and peaceful - able to withstand many more bumps in the road - as you traverse your daily life, because you know that you will be able to express yourself emotionally each day without fear of being “inappropriate” or saying something to someone that you really didn’t meant to say.

3) The art of journaling provides you with a unique perspective, and will often show you the path of your life. Yes, the art of journaling deals with retrospection, instead of foretelling. However, having the ability to go back and look at your path in life so far will provide a very unique perspective on where you are, now, in your life and where you may be going.

I often find myself wondering “how does this fit” in my life. We don’t always know what is ahead of us (if truth be told, we don’t know what lies ahead of us), but, knowing that there is meaning and purpose and a definite purpose that ties everything in your life together certainly produces a calm and serenity that is difficult to grasp in other ways.

4) The art of journaling is good for the spirit. The act of writing in your journal nightly will give you a good “overview” of where you are struggling spiritually (even when you can’t identify it in your daily life). You will begin to see themes emerging, as you journal - situations that present themselves in a multitude of ways - that will help you identify strengths and weaknesses spiritually, and allow further spiritual growth.

5) The art of journaling is good for the body. I will be honest, my health journalling is sometimes included in my regular daily journaling, and sometimes, I will separate it into its own journal. If you are struggling with your health, the art of journaling about your health specifically (symptoms, eating patterns, physical activity, potential stressors, etc) will give you a much better overview of where the root of any potential problems you may have are. All too often, we work on a “small picture” view when we are thinking of our health - when what we need to identify the root cause is a very “big picture” view.

When you journal about your health within your regular journaling, you will be able to identify situations that may contribute to your health issues. When you are looking at a particular set of symptoms, it may be helpful to take this view. However, even when you are looking at a particular set of symptoms, it is sometimes easy to leave out things like your daily menu, etc - leaving that up to your brain to hold onto and remember. When journaling for your physical health, it may be better to have a specific health journal to “prompt” you to write what you eat, what you’ve done (including a bulletted list of “routine” activities such as cleaning), and how much water you drank.

Then, you can cross reference this health journal with your regular journal - and get a very good big picture of what is going on with your physical health.

Even if you don’t have any particular physical ailments, this sort of health journaling can be good for you to keep track of your daily physical health, and see what you are doing that is producing results (and also see how far you have come in your health since beginning!)

6) The art of journaling can produce an eternal legacy for your friends and family. One of my most guarded posessions are the writings of my grandmother. Whether she was writing a story, sharing memories, or just giving a daily report, it’s so fascinating to me to see the woman who was my grandmother from her own perspective.

While there are definitely things that you may want to journal that you absolutely don’t want to share with friends and family, you can keep a separate journal where you write occassionally with thoughts, daily events, and more that will be passed down to future generations so that they may “know” you even after you are gone.

Frankly, the most important part of the art of journaling is “digging deep”. Looking at what is below your surface is crucial - not just for you, but, when you are sharing with future generations. It’s easy to look at a photograph and want to know someone….but, a picture doesn’t allow us to know anyone - including ourselves - it’s just looking at the surface.

The legacy that you leave isn’t on your surface. Often, it’s deep - and, unless you give yourself permission to dig deep and uncover those things within you, you will find journaling to be a frustrating process.

Tools to help you with the Art of Journaling

My daily journal writing prompts actually gives you the opportunity to dig deep within on a variety of topics. I actually don’t write a prompt daily (giving you the opportunity to write on your own), but, in each prompt, I do encourage you to think below your surface. So, if you would like help getting started in the art of journaling, make sure to check out my daily journal writing prompts to inspire you from time to time (now available with email delivery).

Another aspect of my company designed to help you with the art of journaling are my hand bound, handcrafted custom leather journals. These are available at both FaithMinders (these include the additional page options of unlined or lined pages with scripture) and Legacy Journals, and offer a wide range of customization choices. Additionally, they are now offered as refillable leather journals so that you can use the same cover over and over again! These journals were designed with longevity and journallers in mind! All of our custom leather journals are hand bound using acid free natural binding thread, leather bound, and use acid free paper. The leather we use was selected for its durability, beauty as it ages, and quality. These journals are definitely something that will be here for quite some time!

Closing thoughts - the art of journaling

I strongly urge everyone I work with to pick up the art of journaling. As you can see, it’s good for mind, body, and spirit, and gives you a wonderful respite from the zoom of daily life.