By now some of you may have noticed the photos in my gallery of a little book with odd things on the pages, or a goofy prompt written in some silly fonts. You may have subconsciously skipped over those photos, or you may be curious as to what that little book is. Kudos to mom for giving me the idea to actually explain what that book is in this blog post.
In literal terms a"Wreck This Journal" is a journal with various prompts throughout that the owner of the journal is to complete. (I purchased the travel-edition before I left for Italy because it's a smaller version and it has some "travel-specific" prompts inside).
In more figurative and emotional terms, this little book of mine has become a bible of sorts. I take it everywhere I go, even to school, in case a moment of pause arises during my day in which I can complete a prompt. These prompts include things such as, "Infuse this page with a smell of your choosing," and "Get this page stamped by someone" and "Hide this page in someone's pocket or bag with a note" (the note is written, but I have yet to be the creep who sticks something in a random person's pocket). My personal favorite thus far, which is a page in progress, is, "Collect names, autographs, other people's dreams." I like the idea of collecting a few written words from the people I meet along the various journeys that I take.
My journal has already given me so many opportunities to start a conversation or meet a new person or even complete a page with someone. Just last week I composted a page in our school's edible garden, with the help and permission of one of my professors. It may seem like a minor part of my semester abroad now, but I know it is something I will always remember when I think of my time in Italy. I think that's what I like most about this journal. Depending on the page, each one gives me just a few moments of pause, happiness, release or excitement, yet at the end of my semester I will be able to go back through it and the memories I will have when those pages all come together will be a one-of-a-kind feeling, one that combines every emotion I get from this book along the way.
Who knew something so small could challenge me so much and open my eyes to things I would have never seen otherwise? I love the feeling of looking around and really searching for something as simple as a leaf, or a blade of grass. It's truly an incredible sensation to actually look at everything around you while you sit in a single spot or walk the same route you take every day. That's something a lot of people overlook because we've become so accustomed to a routine, and getting where we need to go, often as fast as we can.
With that, I leave you with what's becoming somewhat of a pattern of mine - food for thought.
Mom and Dad, break away from Shea's and find a new restaurant you've never tried.
Rach, go explore a new part of town that you haven't been to yet.
AJ, discover a new stone or jewelry-making technique you've never used.
Grammy and Grumpy, is there a couple or family you haven't met yet in your community? Go introduce yourselves!
Nonno and Nonni, try a new recipe!
Gabby and Nunzio, is there something in one of the Whole Foods stores that you've never tried before?
Jed and Michelle, take a walk down your street and discover three things you've never noticed before.
Auntie Jeanne, is there a mini vacation you've been dying to take?
Bethany, is there a new coaching technique that you think might be worth trying?
Denise, bring a chair out into your backyard and discover new things as you sip on a cocktail you've never tried (but one that still has Tito's in it, of course).
Chris and Todd, find a special spot in Danvers, sit down and take in the sites of your town.
Sash, find a new running route and discover a new smoothie bowl recipe to indulge in post-workout.
I'm sure some of you may think this is corny or find yourself thinking, 'What the heck has Italy done to this chick?" but I urge you to take my advice. Go try something new or really look at something that has always been there, but that you just never had thought to explore more. My little journal may be small, but it has opened my eyes to things I may have never seen, and opened my mind to ways of thinking I would have never otherwise considered. Happy discovering!
In literal terms a"Wreck This Journal" is a journal with various prompts throughout that the owner of the journal is to complete. (I purchased the travel-edition before I left for Italy because it's a smaller version and it has some "travel-specific" prompts inside).
In more figurative and emotional terms, this little book of mine has become a bible of sorts. I take it everywhere I go, even to school, in case a moment of pause arises during my day in which I can complete a prompt. These prompts include things such as, "Infuse this page with a smell of your choosing," and "Get this page stamped by someone" and "Hide this page in someone's pocket or bag with a note" (the note is written, but I have yet to be the creep who sticks something in a random person's pocket). My personal favorite thus far, which is a page in progress, is, "Collect names, autographs, other people's dreams." I like the idea of collecting a few written words from the people I meet along the various journeys that I take.
My journal has already given me so many opportunities to start a conversation or meet a new person or even complete a page with someone. Just last week I composted a page in our school's edible garden, with the help and permission of one of my professors. It may seem like a minor part of my semester abroad now, but I know it is something I will always remember when I think of my time in Italy. I think that's what I like most about this journal. Depending on the page, each one gives me just a few moments of pause, happiness, release or excitement, yet at the end of my semester I will be able to go back through it and the memories I will have when those pages all come together will be a one-of-a-kind feeling, one that combines every emotion I get from this book along the way.
Who knew something so small could challenge me so much and open my eyes to things I would have never seen otherwise? I love the feeling of looking around and really searching for something as simple as a leaf, or a blade of grass. It's truly an incredible sensation to actually look at everything around you while you sit in a single spot or walk the same route you take every day. That's something a lot of people overlook because we've become so accustomed to a routine, and getting where we need to go, often as fast as we can.
With that, I leave you with what's becoming somewhat of a pattern of mine - food for thought.
Mom and Dad, break away from Shea's and find a new restaurant you've never tried.
Rach, go explore a new part of town that you haven't been to yet.
AJ, discover a new stone or jewelry-making technique you've never used.
Grammy and Grumpy, is there a couple or family you haven't met yet in your community? Go introduce yourselves!
Nonno and Nonni, try a new recipe!
Gabby and Nunzio, is there something in one of the Whole Foods stores that you've never tried before?
Jed and Michelle, take a walk down your street and discover three things you've never noticed before.
Auntie Jeanne, is there a mini vacation you've been dying to take?
Bethany, is there a new coaching technique that you think might be worth trying?
Denise, bring a chair out into your backyard and discover new things as you sip on a cocktail you've never tried (but one that still has Tito's in it, of course).
Chris and Todd, find a special spot in Danvers, sit down and take in the sites of your town.
Sash, find a new running route and discover a new smoothie bowl recipe to indulge in post-workout.
I'm sure some of you may think this is corny or find yourself thinking, 'What the heck has Italy done to this chick?" but I urge you to take my advice. Go try something new or really look at something that has always been there, but that you just never had thought to explore more. My little journal may be small, but it has opened my eyes to things I may have never seen, and opened my mind to ways of thinking I would have never otherwise considered. Happy discovering!