As I look back on the previous week, I began to see a thread that connected much of my activity and experience with my reading, watching, conversing, connecting and launching. It was a week full of excitement, preparation, anticipation, and sharing good news with family and the world! 

On my book shelf, I've been diving deeply into research on autism, looking to understand more comprehensively the mind of my grandson. As I determined what to start with, I managed to find several titles, one from a husband's point of view, one from a child's point of view and one from a mother's point of view. The first title is The Journal of Best Practices written by David Finch, husband and father looking to improve his relationships despite the challenges he faces with autism after being diagnosed after he got married. As I read through his transformation, I could see how life and relationships are worth celebrating especially when there were struggles initially. I appreciated his humor and point of view especially when being very specific about the way he thinks. Quite the detailed picture.

The next title was The Reason I Jump by Naomi Higashida, a 13 year old boy with autism. This young man does a Q&A so he can share what it's like to have an autistic mind and how it effects his communication, his body, and his emotions. This was quite the revealing read, especially coming from a child's point of view, which I appreciated.

The third title, called, The Spark, is written by a Mother, Kristine Barnett, who's first born son has autism and what she does to enable her son to function on a higher level so he can communicate and thrive in his gifts. This mother's heart is so BIG, not just for her own kids but for many others, both with autism and without. Her story is courageous and heroic, incredibly moving (got the handkerchief handy!), inspiring and enlightening. 

I celebrate the efforts of each person to express the struggles and the triumphs of either living with someone with autism or having it themselves.  It also have given me a deeper look into the mind of my grandson and what his struggles must be like, whether in communicating or behaving. The "Why" behind it all is enlightening, and eye opening. 

Here is the episode, The ART of JOY with Dawn Herring, where Andrea Lewis Interviews me.

Another thread of Celebration came when I conversed with my parents recently, and when Mom answered the phone, the first thing she wanted to express was the fact that I was a guest on a live radio show, being interviewed by Andrea Lewis, host of Heal Past Wounds and Bring JOY Back. Mom was so excited to hear my interview and Dad commented on my becoming a Celebrity! This made me laugh, feeling affirmed and loved by my parents and celebrating with me with this new experience I had. I did have such a great time talking to Andrea and knowing Mom listened and enJOYed it made me feel deep JOY.

Along with Finding Your Creative Voice in your journal, Just click on the images for The ART of Journaling Toolbox and Prompt PLAY Book, perfect places to find inspiration for your next journal entry, especially if you're just starting out. (You can also read, Your Journaling "Why".)

This week has given me many reasons to celebrate.
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So, what is worth celebrating in Your Life? YOU. Your personality. Your gifts. Your Creativity. Your Voice. 

As I choose to express, learn and share what I have to offer to the world, I hope you will do the same. 

Learn  more about Who You Are and why you love the things you do. Dive deep. Express yourself. And enJOY connecting with those who celebrate you too. 

And May JOY Align with Your Creative Heart! 

Journaling Prompt:
Detail something that you want to Celebrate in your journal, something unsung or what might be perceived as insignificant, but you deem marvelous. 

Art Journal Prompt:
Create a Spread of Celebration tying in several experiences that you want to focus on, whether just personally or with others who were a part of what you want to detail. 
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Doodle Prompt:
Using "Celebration" or "Celebrate" as you word  prompt, really have fun embellishing this doodle like you're having a party!! 

Copyright 2019 Dawn Herring 

Hello friends, journal keepers, creatives, artists and small business owners. I am excited to share with you the replay of The ART of JOY with Dawn Herring  interview hosted by Andrea Lewis, from her live Radio Show, Heal Past Wounds and Bring JOY Back, which took place on March 7. We chatted about how journaling is a power tool for personal empowerment, my artistic and journaling practices and how JOY can be simple to incorporate into day to day life. 
I thoroughly enJOYed our conversation and trust that you will be inspired and get motivated to start your journaling practice or to take it to the next level, as well as have impetus to Find Your Creative Voice. EnJOY and do leave a comment below with your feedback. We'd love to hear from you!