Antiquaria Journal Club | Week Twenty-Nine

Hey there Journal Gang, how are you all doing this Monday? Were you able to brainstorm up some creative Summer activities to look forward to? We’d love to hear some of your favorite ideas in the comments♥

At times, like recently, it seems as if each day, the weight of the world is a bit heavier than the day before. There is so much going on - things are changing at lightning speed. People demanding action, tides shifting, and situations constantly evolving. Uncertainty. It can all be so very much to process. We want to approach this week from the perspective of mindfulness and taking some time to decipher the events of the day, internal and external. Words are powerful - translating thoughts, fears, hopes and wishes and beliefs into them is a grounding experience.

This week, take a few moments to write a few words that come to your mind and encapsulate your experiences each day. What are you thinking about? What are you hoping for? What emotions did you encounter? How do things in your life or current events make you feel? You can approach this from any perspective that resonates with you on a personal level. If you haven't dabbled much in art journaling, now is the perfect time to give it a go - incorporating artwork can give you a boost in therapeutic effect! 

Sometimes the best catalysts for positive changes, are the hard times. You are all in our thoughts. Thank you for being a part of the Journal Gang and following along with our journey. We love daydreaming up prompts to share and love seeing your journals. Here’s to seeing more encouraging changes in the world; health, happiness, prosperity and equality for all.

Happy Journaling and Stay Strong!
xoxo
The Antiquaria Team 

Antiquaria Journal Club | Week Nineteen

Hey there Journal Gang,

As we enter a new week of journal club, we’re thinking of you and hope that your journals are serving as a therapeutic outlet through all of the sudden changes and adjustments we’re all experiencing. Even though our journal club meetup is on hold, we’re maintaining that spirit of camaraderie and community through our journals each week. Life feels a little more strange with each passing day right now, but we're all doing the best we can to adapt, be positive and resourceful. Keep on keeping on! Using journaling, letters and other creative outlets to help us process things has been invaluable.

Last week we spent some time pondering our appreciation of loved ones. When life shifts dramatically, it’s more important than ever to communicate and connect with people that love and support us, and visa versa. Our instagram share a card event has been cathartic for us as well; connecting with you, sharing circumstances and encouraging words brought a little extra light into our days. We are feeling super grateful for all the amazing people in our lives right now. When it gets down to it, what is life but the joy of sharing all it has to offer with others?

So, what’s this about silver linings?
We may be collectively socially distancing right now, but a major global event like this can unite us in purpose and spirit. It can make you reevaluate your priorities, values, what self-care means to you, your world view, your routines, goals, and count your blessings. So, pretty much everything! Though it oftentimes feels like an ominous and uncertain situation, nothing is life is so plain in black and white. Even the most trying circumstances have a silver lining laced within. Everyone processes emotions at different rates and in different ways, so it’s OK to be exactly wherever you are right now! It’s absolutely normal to experience anxiety and stress when things upend your normal life. Things will get better. Let's uplift our thoughts this week and focus on those little silver linings within.

Maybe you’ve been able to :

• Spend more time with your immediate family
• Connect with distant family more often through letters or technology 
• Make your pets happy by being around more often (keeping those tails wagging!)
• Finish lingering home improvement projects
• Read more
• Write more
• Catch up on sleep
• Start or work on an art/craft hobby
• Dive into a personal passion project 
• Go for more walks
• Explore the outdoors
• Work in your yard
• Try new recipes at home
• Get a jump on spring cleaning or organization
• Catch up on your favorite show 

…These are a few of the silver linings that come to mind!

So, what are your silver linings?  Think about what small gift each of these days of late have to offer, and how you can lean into them to help you grow, heal and move forward.
While everything is still uncertain, and can feel scary at times, know that for every negative, there is a positive hiding in there..somewhere. Many things may be out of our control, but we can control being kind to ourselves (and each other!), embracing the here and now(easier said than done, we know!), looking out for others and just simply doing the best we can. One day at a time, friends. Slow and steady..we’ve got this. Hang in there!


Be well, and Happy Journaling,
xoxo
The Antiquaria Team