​
Hobbies I’d Like to Try in 2021
By Elizabeth Dubos
 
While it’s a new year, unfortunately it’s not a happy one. During this time of year it’s tradition to  make a list of resolutions and goals that you would like to complete in the upcoming year. New year’s resolutions are helpful because it offers motivation to complete your goals. However, due to the massive amount of disappointment in 2020, people threw tradition to the wind and didn’t make any lists at all. It’s understandable that people didn’t want to have their hopes and expectations dashed again. Since people didn’t make new year’s resolutions or goals to complete, what will they have to look forward to in times of uncertainty?
 
To be honest this weighed on my mind throughout the holiday season because I baked, cooked, and decorated my heart out this past year to combat my 2020 disappointments. Besides everyday mundane life, what would I have to look forward to motivate myself during extra stressful times? My little solution: hobby experimentation. Hobbies are important because they provide relaxation and mental stimulation to improve your physical and mental health. As I write this blog post, I’m looking forward to the new hobbies that I’ll try throughout the year. Here is a list of hobbies that I would like to try in 2021.
 
BookTube. This is a book specific subset of the YouTube community. I think it would be a lot of fun to create a BookTube channel to discuss my bookish thoughts. It’s a virtual community that could expose me to new genres, books, and authors. Making BookTube videos offers me the opportunity to learn new video editing skills. This is a great motivational tool because each week I can look forward to creating and editing new content for other book lovers.
 
Bullet Journaling. I’ve always been an organized person with my scheduling, to-do lists, and brainstorming. However, in 2020, I wanted to enhance my organization skills by making it look aesthetically pleasing. On my research journey, I found a whole bullet journal community on YouTube that showcases their organization and creative talents. I enjoyed watching AmandaRachLee, The Bliss Bean, Jenny Journals, and Journal with Chloe. In 2021, I want to utilize that knowledge and keep a bullet journal myself. Maybe, I’ll use it as a way to document my hobby experimentation in 2021.
 
Chess. As a child I loved playing chess because it was challenging. As I got older, I grew out of it because I didn’t have anyone else to play with. After a bit of research there’s numerous apps and websites to play against others. This hobby was inspired by the Netflix TV miniseries, The Queen’s Gambit; I binge watched the entire season in one weekend because I enjoyed it so much.
 
Painting. I love painting and have always done it throughout my life. However, doubt manages to creep in and causes me to become insecure and give it up. Therefore, I think it would be a lot of fun to watch YouTube videos to teach myself how to paint. If I could improve my painting skills, it would help combat my insecurities that my paintings aren’t good enough.
 
Drawing. Like painting, I’ve always had an appreciation for drawing. I’ve admired people who can draw what they visualize in their head. I think this would be a great time to enhance my drawing skills.
 
Welding. My partner has a welder sitting out in the garage where he regularly welds items for work. I think it would be fun if he taught me how to weld because it’s couples time together and I could learn something new.
 
Learn a new language. I used to love traveling and always wanted to travel to foreign countries. I could use this time to learn a new language and prepare myself for future traveling adventures. I understand Spanish, Italian, French, and American Sign Language, however, I cannot have full conversations. I think it would be fun to enhance my language skills.
 
Learn a new educational subject. I’m like a sponge as  I love absorbing knowledge. I’m passionate about wildlife conservation and the environment. I think it would be interesting to learn more about microbiology, environmental science, oceanography, geology, wildlife biology, and ecology.
 
Would you consider trying a new hobby in 2021? If so, comment below what you’re planning to try out this year!
 
Edited by Emelyn Ehrlich 

​Netflix TV Shows to Binge-Watch
By Elizabeth Dubos
 
Netflix is an American production company and media services provider. You can watch movies and TV shows on your TV, game console, phone, or tablet. The streaming service offers numerous genres such as action, anime, children & family content, classics, comedies, cult movies, documentaries, dramas, LGBTQ, horror, international, period pieces, romance, and sci-fi/fantasy for all ages. Netflix offers thousands of options to choose from, so it can be a bit overwhelming to decide what to watch. Are you staying home more often due to COVID-19 and looking for a TV show to binge-watch? Here are my favorite TV shows that I binge-watched on Netflix.
 
Schitt’s Creek. This is a Canadian sitcom that follows the formerly wealthy Rose family as they’re forced to relocate to a town they bought as a joke. Now living in a motel, the Rose family faces the trials and tribulations of everyday life without the luxuries. Schitt’s Creek consists of 80 episodes spread throughout six seasons. According to Common Sense Media, Schitt’s Creek is appropriate for ages 14 and up. Parents should be aware that it features sexual relations, drinking, drugs, smoking, and inappropriate language. However, the show has positive messages and positive role model representations.
 
New Girl. This is an American sitcom that follows Jess, an adorable schoolteacher, who moves into a loft with three men—Nick, Schmidt, and Winston—after catching her cheating boyfriend. It’s a comedy show that follows the characters as they navigate their relationships and careers in their thirties. New Girl consists of seven seasons with 146 episodes. According to Common Sense Media, New Girl is a heartwarming roommate comedy. The TV show is appropriate for ages 14 and up. Like Schitt’s Creek, New Girl features sexual relations, drinking, drugs, smoking, and inappropriate language.
 
Sugar Rush & Sugar Rush Christmas. Sugar Rush is an American reality baking competition series. In 2019, there was a spin-off series called Sugar Rush Christmas that features holiday-themed treats. The show is hosted by Hunter March and judged by professional chefs Candace Nelson and Adriano Zumbo. Additionally, each episode features a different guest judge. The baking series features four professional teams competing in three rounds for the cash prize of $10,000. Common Sense Media states both shows are appropriate for ages 10+. Sugar Rush features three seasons plus Sugar Rush Christmas with a total of 26 episodes.
 
Jane the Virgin. Jane the Virgin is a romantic telenovela-style comedy-drama. The show follows a hardworking and religious 23-year-old Jane Villanueva. As a young, devout woman, she’s a virgin, who accidentally becomes pregnant via artificial insemination. Throughout the series viewers will see her struggles and triumphs. There’s 100 episodes that span across five seasons. Common Sense Media states that Jane the Virgin is appropriate for ages 15+. The show features drinking, drugs, smoking, sexual themes, and inappropriate language. However, the show has positive messages and positive role model representations.
 
The Umbrella Academy. The Umbrella Academy is an American fantasy superhero series based on the comic book series of the same name written by Gerard Way. The show features a dysfunctional super-powered family as they need to team up to prevent a horrific apocalypse. There’s 20 episodes that span across two seasons. The Umbrella Academy has been renewed for an additional season too! Common Sense Media states that The Umbrella Academy is appropriate for ages 15+. The show features violence, drinking, drugs, smoking, sexual themes, and inappropriate language.
 
What are you currently watching on Netflix?
 
Edited by Morgan Mitchell

​Reflections of a Soon-to-be Graduate
Jenna Fults
 
 
I'm sure those of you who are preparing for college next year are facing down a range of emotions: fear, anxiety, excitement. As an introvert, the process of integration was somewhat more difficult for me. But this spring I'll be graduating with a fond set of memories from my adventures at university, so here are a few tips to make the best of your university experience.
 
 
Join clubs. Try new things. University is a time to step outside your comfort zone (especially if you're a shy introvert like me!) Try campus activities, and try out all the clubs you're interested in. Don't expect to feel at home right away; it may take some time, even weeks, to get to know people. But don't be discouraged—some of these people will end up being your best friends!
 
If something isn't working out...don't be afraid to quit. On the other hand, remember that you'll be trying a lot of different things, and it's okay not to like them all. I was convinced I'd love the Film, Knitting, and Cycling clubs at my university—but these never worked out for me because they weren't quite what I was looking for. Nevertheless, I finally found my place in the Creative Writing Club. My rule of thumb is to give it at least three tries—that is, attend at least three meetings or events. If you still feel that the activity is not for you, then you can feel reassured that you tried. You have to expose yourself to different groups to find the perfect match, but remember that it's alright to drop something if you're not enjoying it!
 
Establish a sleep schedule. Nothing is worse than waking up for a 9am lecture after working on your class project until 2am in the morning. A healthy sleep schedule (going to bed and waking up at the same time) is highly underrated. Feeling fresh when you wake up is the best way to start a day of classes!
 
Establish a work routine. On a similar note, don't expect to produce quality work on a project you've started at midnight that's due that same morning. While everyone has different internal clocks and times when they work best, it's important to create a routine and set aside time for work. Similarly, keep ahead of deadlines—this will make your life infinitely easier and your university experience far more enjoyable. Start your essays and studying early on. Preparation such as note-taking, looking at the prompts beforehand, thinking actively about these subjects in your classes, etc. can all help propel you forward in the process.
 
Libraries and Cafés are your friends! For many students, it's much easier to work outside your area of residence—it puts your mind into "concentration mode." When you get back home, you can breathe a sigh of relief because your work for the day is done. Take advantage of getting outside the dorm room and perhaps drag a friend along as a study buddy.
 
Find a healthy work/life balance. This, of course, is easier said than done. If you're working a job, attending classes, participating in activities, going to the gym, etc., it can all become a little overwhelming. Be sure to take breaks if you absolutely need them—even if it means skipping gym day, practice, or that one class (just don't do this too often!) The point here is not to throw your energy all into one thing, whether that be socializing or classwork.
 
When all is said and done…enjoy it! But also remember that there will be tough times, and that everyone struggles at points—you're never alone in this battle. University can be challenging and lonely for many students; if you're struggling, reach out to college programs and ask for help or guidance (there are always mental health services of some kind). However, with a positive outlook and some tips to help you along, I hope you have wonderful, enlightening time in your next big adventure!
 
Edited by Emelyn Ehrlich

​A Guide to Sanity in Times of Quarantine
By Becca Masch
 
This period of social distancing has taken a lot from us everyday humans—I’m not going to bother explaining further. One of the most important things taken from me specifically was time with my sister, who lives overseas in Israel. A seven-hour time difference already complicates our relationship, but add a worldwide pandemic to that equation and suddenly the prospect of seeing each other in person rather than through a screen becomes pretty unlikely. We understood because we didn’t want to risk ourselves or the people around us, but we were unhappy.
 
Then, like a miracle, my sister got a ticket to the States to come visit. I say "like a miracle" because it wasn’t really finalized until a week before the plane was to take off. Suddenly, my house was having to prepare pretty quickly to make sure she could quarantine properly yet also not lose her mind from isolation. I should probably mention that I’m living at home with my parents at the moment, which equates to two high-risk individuals in close proximity to a new variable. Nevertheless, we all waited excitedly for the day to come when we’d finally get to see her face-to-face.
 
The day came, and quarantine began. Something I hadn’t really considered was how I’d feel when she arrived. The news had taught me to view the outside world as fraught with danger—my house had become my sanctuary. Now, my sanctuary had been breached, and the place that used to feel the safest now felt the deadliest.
 
We took a wide range of precautions with the strategy that at least some of it would help. Some of the precautions were practical, like wearing masks when interacting with each other. Some were on the silly side, like hanging shower curtains between room dividers with some kind of hope that maybe the flimsy pieces of plastic would keep out the infamous virus. Fear brings out the ridiculous in all of us.
 
Now that I’ve made it out the other side (virus-free I might add), I thought it would be helpful to record some conclusions from the experience. You’ll get over seeing your visiting human as a potential threat in just a few minutes. My sister stood in front of me in a mask with a Clorox wipe in her hand to disinfect everything she’d touched, but she was still my sister. Frequent hot chocolate fixes and binge-watching movies will really help in preventing you from losing your minds. It was Halloween-themed, so our list included Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, Halloweentown High, and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. Books, books, and more books will make you forget the world around you in general as you escape to an imaginary place. Mac & Cheese is still the ultimate comfort food—not even a global pandemic will change that. Talking politics is probably a bad idea when you can’t leave your house (why do we never learn?).
 
One of the most important lessons I’m taking away from this experience is how a little discomfort is worth it in exchange for social interaction with someone you really care about. I’m young and healthy and fortunate that I don’t have to worry too much about contracting COVID-19. However, I live with two people who are in a much more serious situation, and it’s caused me to drastically change the way I live to accommodate them. No one is really to blame in this situation; however, I have become starved for human interaction. This visit was something small—just a taste for how things used to be, but it helped me feel instantly balanced again.
 
If you take anything out of this story, I hope it’s the importance of caring for yourself during this time of social distancing. I’m not talking handwashing or mask-wearing, although those are also crucial practices. Instead, I’m referring to the significance of emotional care—interacting with people in a face-to-face conversation. You may not realize how beneficial it is until you try it once again and feel that glow of connection in you once again. COVID-19 has taken a lot from us, some things easier to recognize than others. A human conversation, whether that be with a stranger in the food store or a friend you haven’t seen in forever, is something we can take back for ourselves. You may be surprised at the amount of good it can do for you.
 
Edited by Jenna Fults

2020 in a Nutshell
By Emily Chance

I feel like my life is both falling apart and falling together all at once.

I met an incredible guy, but neither one is sure of where we stand. And we both work essential jobs with conflicting schedules, so we can’t hang out anymore. It’s hard to allow yourself to fall in love when you’re used to being guarded.
This year was the year of illness. Not just Covid-19; turns out, I have an autoimmune disease. Not just one, but two potential diseases, fighting over which one should overtake my system. Cancer has taken over people I love. Lung failure has caused heartbreak in a family close to mine. This is the year of loss. Losing of family members, friends, sanity.

This is the year which I feel has included decades worth of happenings: a pandemic, wild fires, riots, suffrage (or at least, fighting for the right to vote in public), the reemergence of the dust bowl, change shortages – don’t get me started about recent happenings. I can rant about the “coin shortage” for hours.

This is the year of division. Riots vs. Peace, Republican vs. Democrat.

But the thing is…I’m tired of division. I’m tired of illness and pain. Aren’t communities and countries supposed to band together for the good of people in order to make a change? A good change in the world? Everyone that I talk to is tired of bullsh*t. If everyone, or especially world leaders, were to take a sabbatical, chillax, have a cocktail or two, maybe even blaze up a joint, if that’s their thing, I almost feel like everyone would be able to tolerate each other a little bit more.

Because 2020 is also the year of reconnecting. I’ve talked to people I haven’t talked to in years. I’ve reconnected friendships we all thought were severed forever. Reconciled with friends. This is also the year I’m getting my life together. I have loans I’ll be able to pay off at the middle of next year. At this point, I’ll hopefully be approved for a home loan. I can finally start my life’s journey.

This is the year of change. For the first time, I’ve gotten my hair professionally dyed. I’ve been fixing anxiety issues and battling depression. I’ve been having new experiences with friends I reconnected with, and I’m finally at a point where I can begin to love myself.

I want 2020 to be known as the year everyone shuts up for 30 seconds, looks around, puts on the shoes of another individual, and realize that it doesn’t matter what you look like, who you know, or what you’re known for, we can peacefully fix whatever is broken.
​
I’m tired of falling apart. I’m ready to fall back together again.
 
Edited by Andie Smiley

AMAZON LINK:
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Worth-Living-Shannon-Marie/dp/B08VF61XHT/ref=sr_1_2?crid=13RDB0BFG6R38&dchild=1&keywords=shannon+marie+a+life+worth+living&qid=1613253011&sprefix=A+Life+Worth+Living+shannon+%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-2
From Dreaming Big Publications and Author Shannon Marie


ABOUT THE BOOK:
Whether you know it or not, you already possess everything you need for an amazing life. Like most of us, you may simply need to tap into these components. A fulfilling life consists of gratitude, purpose, happiness and connection. A Life Worth Living is Shannon’s perspective, once living a dark, hopeless life and embarking upon the journey through uncovering her life worth living. With the relatable life situations, we see how we can all do the same. Utilizing humor and a vulnerability to address the tough stuff we go through, this is a must-read for anyone hoping to take the current life we are living – and make it one worth living.


Review copies available upon request

​ABOUT THE BOOK: Operating from the Fallen Angel Tavern in the city of Pittsburgh's North Side, the mysterious figure known as the Sandman waits for the chance to grant the denizens of the city their every wish. From the darkest corners they come in search of wealth, power, or revenge. The deal is simple. Just tell the Sandman about one of your dreams and he'll grant you a wish. Anything you want. But when you deal with the likes of The Sandman you should always remember that old saying, be careful what you wish for. Evil walks the darkened streets. And every footstep leads directly to The Sandman.


AMAZON LINK:
https://www.amazon.com/Evil-Walks-Featuring-Barry-Nelson/dp/B08VFT3QB4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2V7VRAT0Y1H07&dchild=1&keywords=evil+walks+barry+nelson&qid=1613252660&sprefix=evil+walks+barry%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-1


Review copies available upon request.

Amazon Link: 
https://www.amazon.com/Fallen-John-Keegan-Novel/dp/B08NJXP472/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+fallen+john+misak&qid=1613252117&sr=8-1
Paperback: $12.99
Ebook $2.99 or free with Kindle Unlimited


ABOUT THE BOOK: 
WHEN HOMICIDE DETECTIVE JOHN KEEGAN SOLVED THE MURDER OF HOLLYWOOD A-LISTER PATRICK DILLONS, HE KNEW HE LEFT STONES UNTURNED. HE KNEW THE CASE WOULD LAST. HE DID NOT EXPECT IT TO HAUNT HIS DREAMS, OR, WORSE, THAT IT WOULD TAKE OVER HIS LIFE AGAIN.


SIX MONTHS LATER, THE ANONYMOUS TIPPER WHO GUIDED AND PROVOKED HIM DURING THE DILLONS CASE RETURNS WITH AN OMINOUS QUESTION:


“WOULD THE HERO LIKE TO FINISH THE GAME?”


IN EXCHANGE FOR AGREEING TO CONTINUE, THE TIPPER PROMISES TO FEED KEEGAN EVIDENCE AND
CLUES ABOUT A NEW MURDER, AND TO GIVE CLOSURE ON THE DILLONS CASE. KEEGAN BALKS, BUT WHEN THE TIPPER’S INFO PROVES HELPFUL, HE KNOWS HE MUST STRADDLE THE LINE BETWEEN SAVING LIVES AND BREAKING LAWS. THE GAME RESTARTS AND KEEGAN MUST PLAY IT ALONE, HIDING THE TIPPER FROM EVERYONE, INCLUDING HIS WIFE AND PARTNER.


WITH HIS RELATIONSHIPS STRAINED UNDER THE PRESSURE OF DECEIT, KEEGAN ATTEMPTS TO STAY AHEAD OF THE TIPPER. THE FIRST BODY HAS A NOTE INDICATING IT IS THE FIRST OF EIGHT. A PLOT IS UNDERWAY AND KEEGAN MUST CALCULATE HIS EVERY MOVE. THE TIPPER USES TECHNOLOGY BOTH TO TRACK AND ELUDE KEEGAN.  KEEGAN KNOWS THE TIPPER HAD DIRECT INFLUENCE IN THE DILLONS MURDER AND THESE NEW DEATHS. HIS SINGULAR FOCUS OF STOPPING THIS MENACE AMPLIFIES WITH A SIMPLE TEXT MESSAGE:


“MEET NUMBER FOUR. YOU WILL KILL HIM.”


KEEGAN MUST DO EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING TO AVOID THIS OUTCOME. THIS PLAN FAILS WHEN HE DISCOVERS THE PLAN TO MAKE HIM NUMBER EIGHT. HE WANTS TO STOP THE GAME BUT KNOWS HIS FAMILY’S FUTURE DEPENDS ON HIM OUTSMARTING THE TIPPER AND STOPPING THE DEATHS BEFORE THEY HAPPEN.  THE HERO MUST SUFFER THE TRIALS, OUTWIT THE VILLAIN, AND EMERGE VICTORIOUS.


THE FALLEN DELVES DEEP INTO THE INTRICAICES OF A MURDER INVESTIGATION AND TECHNOLOGY’S EFFECT ON DETECTIVE WORK. IT PLACES KEEGAN IN A NO WIN SITUATION HE MUST SEE TO COMPLETION. HOW FAR IS TOO FAR WHEN TRYING TO SOLVE A CASE? WHERE IS THE LINE BETWEEN FAMILY AND DUTY? KEEGAN DOESN’T HAVE THE ANSWERS BUT KNOWS THEY ALL LIE AT THE END OF THE TIPPER’S EPIC TALE.


“THE GAME WILL END, HERO. YOU GET TO DECIDE HOW.”


A Note from the Publisher:  Hi guys! After taking a holiday break, we are back and happy to introduce to you some new releases! As always, I thank you for your help in getting the word out about our newly published books. Review copies are available upon request,

​Autumn Activities: COVID-19 Edition
By Elizabeth Dubos
 
The temperatures are getting cooler, the leaves are turning different colors, and stores are beginning to stock the Halloween candy. Autumn officially began on Tuesday, September 22, 2020. Over the years we’ve all accumulated seasonal traditions that we’ve grown accustomed to, whether it’s listening to music at live events, attending fall festivals, dressing up for a costume contest, traveling to visit beloved family members, or shopping at the farmer’s market. COVID-19 put a damper on our spring and summer activities, but that doesn’t mean it has to hinder our autumn activities. Here are some activities that will improve your autumn spirits!
 
Indoor or outdoor fall or Halloween decorations: It’s time to break out the pumpkin, apple, or cinnamon scented candles, ceramic pumpkins, leaf wreaths, and spooky Halloween décor! Decorating will help take your mind off of COVID-19. Decorate your bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room; anywhere that makes you happy! If you’re still feeling down in the dumps, treat yourself to some new décor. Most likely you can do curbside pickup at your local craft stores or shop online, and have it delivered directly to your home. If you’re on a tight budget, try designing or crafting your own autumn décor; Pinterest has numerous DIY projects.
 
Pinterest autumn recipes: Pinterest also has thousands of delicious recipes to choose from. You can choose to create autumn themed snacks, meals, or desserts. Plus, Pinterest offers a variety of dietary options like vegan, low carb, gluten-free, sugar-free, or diary-free.  I would highly recommend checking out your local craft store websites because they could feature autumn or Halloween themed baking dishes to improve the appearance of your kitchen creations. Cooking or baking seasonal recipes will improve your mood because your house will smell like pumpkins or apples.
 
Autumn retail therapy: Autumn fashion features beanies, hoodies, leather jackets, cozy sweaters, boots/booties, and Halloween prints. COVID-19 has been tough, so you deserve to treat yourself to a new outfit. You can wear your new outfits to Zoom meetings or while cooking an autumn themed recipe. No matter the season you should feel happy in what you’re wearing. Don’t let anyone ever judge you for your fashion choices.
 
Fall foliage: Pack a picnic basket and drive out to nature. Spend the afternoon eating lunch and admire the beautiful and vibrant colors of the leaves. They can be exquisite shades of red, yellow, orange, brown, and purple. Don’t fret if it’s far away. You can go on YouTube and search ‘fall foliage’ to access numerous videos featuring the beautiful leaves. Or you could try changing the background photo on your computer, laptop, or mobile devices to your favorite seasonal picture. Try searching autumn HD background photos on google to help you choose.
 
Hike: When you’re hiking you get the chance to breathe in the crisp air, see the vibrant colors of the fall foliage, and you might witness bird migrations. COVID-19 limited our exercise routine and the majority of us gave up on our fitness goals. Hiking is an excellent activity to achieve your fitness goals because it reduces your body fat and improves your mental wellbeing.
 
Spooky movies or TV shows: Halloween is around the corner, so why not have a Halloween movie or TV show marathon? You could dedicate the entire month of October to watching spooky themed movies or TV shows. There’s numerous Halloween TV shows and movies for all ages so you can enjoy them with your partners or family members. Freeform features the 31 nights of Halloween, and several streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max offer Halloween movies and TV shows.
 
Autumn themed books: From September 22 to December 21 you could read autumn or Halloween inspired books. This could include thrillers, horror, mysteries, paranormal, or true crime novels. If you’re stumped on what to read, head on over to Goodreads to explore their genre recommendations or Halloween book lists. If you have a Goodreads account, you could create seasonal inspired shelves to organize your books. 
 
Autumn journaling: Journaling is an excellent way to record our daily lives and express ourselves creatively. You could use autumn themed colors, leaf stencils, pumpkin stamps, and washi tape to decorate the pages of your journal. Try to record your favorite seasonal recipes, list the number of places you’ve hiked, and include pictures of the fall foliage. When autumn is over you might reflect on this journal and try to create new traditions for next year.
 
Edited by Liz Eike
 
 
 

​Journal Writing Prompt Ideas
By Elizabeth Dubos
 
Journaling is the expression and exploration of our thoughts, ideas, and feelings of our lives. It helps reduce stress and improve our mood. People use journals to track symptoms, expel negative thoughts, recognize triggers, or document their daily lives. Journals are excellent reflection tools. We can view past journals to see our progression. Journaling is a form of self-care because it provides an outlet to express ourselves without judgment. It isn’t healthy to keep our feelings bottled up inside. People use words or artwork to express themselves. Often, people utilize multiple journals at once for organizational purposes. For example, I have two journals; one solely has words, while the second one is for artwork. I have Moleskine journals because I prefer a thicker paper to avoid my markers and pens bleeding through. There are various kinds of journals such as dot, lined, blank, or digital ones. Journals range in price point but are generally affordable. They are available on Amazon, Target, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, or Books-A-Million. After you purchase a journal, it can be a bit difficult to start because every time you open it to write, your mind goes blank due to stress or anxiety. Every time I get a new journal, I write down prompts, so when I’m feeling stressed or anxious, I have an idea of what to write about. Here is a list of writing prompts to motivate yourself to journal more.
 
1. How was your day?
 
2. Did you do or learn anything new at work or school?
 
3. What are your favorite animals, books, TV shows, shopping stores, songs, colors, seasons, clothes, foods, cities, countries, or sports?
 
4. Who are your favorite musicians, actors, actresses, authors, fictional characters, superheroes, teachers, family members, or athletes?
 
5. Write down a list of hobbies that you would like to learn how to do.
 
6. Are you bilingual? If so, write down your favorite words in another language.
 
7. If you could learn a new language, what would you learn and why?
 
8. How are you feeling right now?
 
9. How would you like to be feeling right now and why?
 
10. Where would you like to travel on vacation?
 
11. What is something that you’re good at? How does it make you feel?
 
12. How did you sleep last night? Did something keep you up or did you dream?
 
13. What are your core principles that you adhere to?
 
14. What are your most prized possessions?
 
15. Were you bullied during childhood or as a teenager? How do you think it affects your adulthood?
 
16. What are your life goals?
 
17. Describe your dream job, relationship, or house.
 
18. If you won the lottery, what would you do with all the money?
 
19. What’s one of your favorite childhood memories?
 
20. Make a list of 10 things that make you smile.
 
21. How do you practice self-care? If not, write some ways you could implement it into your life.
 
22. If you could change anything about your outer appearance, what would you change?
 
23. Make a list of 10 positive adjectives to describe yourself.
 
24. Write a letter to your younger or older self.
 
25. What are some of your biggest regrets?
 
26. What is something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t yet? What’s holding you back?
 
27. If you could go back in time and change something, what would you change and why?
 
28. List five things that you fear and why.
 
29. If you could have one wish, what would you wish for and why?
 
30. List 20 things that you’re grateful for.
 
 
Edited by Morgan Mitchell