A Chapter Called "No Lines"
I recently bought a new journal, and when I opened it up over my morning tea, I saw I had somehow purchased one with no lines. So I did what any respectable English major would do: I panicked.
Several months ago, my coach asked me to commit to a daily journaling practice. I used to journal only when I was in deep angst – so if anyone ever goes back to read those books, they will think I was an unhappy, hot mess all the time. The daily practice is a much more accurate ride, and the journaling has been an incredible way for me to learn and process.
Because I have a lot going on, I have had a lot to say in my journal. In fact, I filled up an entire book in a couple months. So, out I ventured to the bookstore for a replacement. I chose a calming dark blue color and brought it home. That’s when I realized: blank pages. No lines.
My first thoughts: haven’t I walked away from enough scaffolding? New career, new life. Can’t I ask for some symmetry at least in my journal? Some straight lines? Some order?
And the answer, having already written my name in this now not-returnable book, is Not Today.
And in that way that stuck-ness (even admittedly very minor stuck-ness) demands, I began to wonder. What if this chapter that I’m heading into, the unknown coming weeks and months that will figure into this journal, were going to be the chapter in my life entitled, “No Lines”?
Okay, I thought, watch this. I can roll with this one.
Lines are like training wheels. Lines constrain, constrict, contain. They are a construct. In life, living within the lines is to be in a box. What if they represent some external, schoolhouse affirmation that I need to stop seeking? What if I need to count on my own eye now to figure out which way is straight – or not – and use my own sense of direction?
I am a word addict. What if I need to learn to doodle or express things with pictures? What if it’s time to color outside the lines? To get more irreverent and more playful?
Okay, you get the idea.
Today’s lesson has been brought to you by the school of #TrustEverything, #ColorOutsideTheLines, and #WhatIsTheUniverseTryingToTellMe?