In late spring, the kids and I went to our favorite art thrift store to buy new art and craft supplies. I came across an old journal, and despite the tattered cover, the book was in great condition.
At the time, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to use it for, but I decided to go ahead and purchase it. I knew later on it would come to me.
I wish I would have remembered to snap a few photos of what the old journal looked like before I repurposed it. As you can see in the photo below, I have repurposed the cover with honeybee fabric (because I love bees).
On the first page of journal, the previous owner had written her full name and a brief identification memo. I covered the page with an old Care Bears book page and a poem about peace by Ruthmarie Brooks Silver.
I thought the poem was very fitting since I struggle with anxiety. Each time I open my journal it will remind me this book is my safe space to share my feelings and thoughts.
As for the rest of the journal, there is one short quote the woman scribbled on a page: “You on you.” What does that mean?
All of the other pages are empty and look brand new. As I flipped through the pages, I wondered why the woman never wrote in her journal. It had clearly been forgotten based on the worn cover.
Maybe she packed it away and when cleaning out her closet or basement, she came across her old journal and decided to donate it to the local art thrift store.
Whatever the reason, I am grateful for her donation. The woman’s old journal will be put to good use as I will write my “big feelings” in it.
That’s what I’m calling the journal–Big Feelings. It has become my peaceful book where I can write, create, and make room for all of my “big feelings.”
💜 XO
Jenn Doing My Best 
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