Keeping a journal has allowed for me to develop and organize my thoughts. Not only have I found journaling also relaxing in its own right, I feel that I have a better understanding of myself and how I want approach (and set the path of intention for) the rest of my life. See the list below for a sample of eight individual themes that I have identified that I most write about in my journal. Through this list, I hope to inspire those, who may have otherwise not considered such a creative outlet, to pursue such a hobby –as personally for me, I have fortuitously found great solace.

 

1. Quotes on Minimalism (collected from books and online blogs)
   1. “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not.” –Epicurus
   2. “I make myself rich by making my wants few.” – Henry David Thoreau
   3. “Work to become, not acquire.” – Elbert Hubbard

 

2. Favorite Quotes from Books that I Have Read
   1. “When our lives are imbued with a sense of “enough-ness”, we have love and energy to spare.” –Sarah van Gelder of Sustainable Happiness: Live Simply, Live Well, Make a Difference
   2. “Organizing is a billion-dollar industry. There are stores dedicated to selling things to hold your things, and you could buy a truckload of organizing supplies that do little more than add to the clutter –they just help you organize the clutter you still have…” –Tsh Oxenreider of Organized Simplicity: The Clutter-Free Approach to Intentional Living  
   3. “When we don’t fill up the world with judgements, then the world fills us with meaning…” –Alanna Kaivalya of Yoga Beyond the Mat: How to Make Yoga Your Spiritual Practice

 

3. “What I Am Grateful for” in groups of three bulleted statements (the initiation of my gratitude journal with inspiration from The Happiness Project)
   1. I am grateful for a quiet space within my home whereby I am able to collect my thoughts.
   2. I am thankful for the people and opportunities in my life.
   3. I am thankful that I have the ability to choose what I can do with my time.

 

4. Vegan Recipe Ideas (generated from vegan cookbooks and Pinterest)
   1. Flourless pumpkin muffins
   2. Roasted cauliflower tacos
   3. Coconut curry soup with sweet potato noodles

 

5. My Life Motto (self-written phrases to which I live by and aspire to)
   1. Surround myself with cool people, forward-thinkers, idea seekers
   2. A dusty mind creates dusty thoughts.
   3. Do good. The status quo is a no-go.

 

6. A fun to-do list / list of places I want to visit
   1. Trail running, blueberry picking (PYO), standup paddle boarding (SUP)
   2. Allegheny Mountains (PA), Newburyport (MA), Giant’s Causeway (Ireland)

 

7. Goals for 2018 (and years to follow)
   1. Get into meditation and/or integrate a daily meditative practice
   2. Integrate different types of mushrooms (natural source of vitamin D) into my cooking repertoire
   3. Start a kitchen herb garden and grow herbs like mint, basil, etc.

 

8. Self-appreciation/Self-written letter to myself (as a reference for the few times when it feels like I’m the only one who can pick myself up if I’m feeling down)
   1. “You are a champion of your own existence. You are choosing the best life for your best self. If you are not feel like you are doing just that, think about what makes you happy and start there. The journey starts with you.” -E, 2017

 

 

 

[Photo Credit — Jake Epstein — Frenchtown, NJ]