Happy Luau

Friday, June 12, 2009

WTJ Week 2 Reflections

This week I spent some time reading other WTJ blogs and spent some time reflecting on the WTJ journey.

Jamie Ridler describes in a video aspects of Wreck this Journal this week that really resonate with me. She starts out her video biting off a piece of the journal---really! On the surface, it sounds like it's about destruction. It is, but it's also about so much more, things that are much more important. Things totally unrelated to destruction come up as a part of this project, and I love that---I'm not into destruction at all!

Jamie discusses crossing boundaries and where we hold ourselves back in life. What would happen if we do things that aren't expected, things that are outside of the box? In WTJ we are stretched as we play with boundaries, she says.

Lori-Lyn writes about how she deals with perfectionism in even trying to wreck her journal "perfectly" and how her process might have to happen in layers. Sometimes I think we can let go of certain things only in baby steps, building confidence as we go.

Sherri wrote lots about things she did, but what got me thinking was how bleed-throughs are good in WTJ. I thought about how I always try to avoid imperfection (like Lori-Lyn) and feel bad about it afterwards---so unnecessary! Bleed-throughs, weeds, dents and dings in the car, divots in my hardwood floor---why are they SO BAD? It's so all about perspective, isn't it. This was one little part of her post, but it had a big impact on me.

Mel inspired me to make an ink spot---another one of those things to be avoided, but now embraced and enjoyed.

Victoria wrote about self-acceptance for where she is on the project. Boy, did that hit home! I always try to be the best at whatever I do. In this case, it's just so silly. Why do I have to have the best WTJ video? Or the best WTJ journal? Do the most WTJ exercises? Post before anyone else? Get the most comments? I had to laugh at myself. I was inspired by Victoria just to be myself.

There is no "behind"! There is just where we are.

Gemma wants to do the wrecking gently and make it art, which she does beautifully. Here's to wrecking however we want to, and making it our own, our own authentic wrecking.

Susan reminded me that I want to send my journal off, so I'd better do it while it's still sendable. I love her idea of using UTEE too...I may do that myself!

Gracegal wrote about her journal being a companion---that's just how I felt! Moreso than my purse or glasses, because those are fixed objects, not organic, growing things that I create...

This entire process reminds me of the "Be Brave" process we all did with Jessie in the past. So much of what we do in WTJ symbolizes deeper things. At least that's how I'm taking this process! I was inspired by all of your blogs so much...keep on learning, creating, growing, and wrecking!

Here is my favorite WTJ activity for the week (a 14 second video):


21 comments:

Rick Hamrick said...

You know, O, I was perfectly fine with all your anti-perfectionist talk right up until you mentioned divots in your hardwood floor.

You need to remember that golf is strictly an outdoor game.

I am not playing along, but I do understand your comments about wanting to be the best at WTJ, regardless of the category. I suffer from the same tendency. Had I been involved, I would have put my journal in the wood chipper on day one. This might have seriously limited my enjoying the full WTJ experience...

Kim Mailhot said...

Here's to wrecking those boundaries we put in front of ourselves !!!!
Enjoy your new companion and all it brings you, lovely seeker-woman, Olivia!

(BTW - you look like an angel when you sleep !:) )

NicciN said...

Wow, now I am sold and need to try this myself. I am reading to pass some of those boundaries I am setting for myself. I just ordered a journal!

Olivia said...

As always, you crack me up, Rick! Putting the journal in the wood chipper would be incredibly creative and efficient, albeit, as you note, limiting your experience. I get a picture in my mind here :) Peace and blessings and love, O

Olivia said...

Thank you, Kim! I agree, let's wreck those boundaries! Thank you too for your sweet comments on my angelic appearance :) Joy and love and child-like celebrations, O

Olivia said...

I'm so glad you're joining us, Nicci! You can jump in at any time. It will be a big stress relief for you, I'm sure, and a great creativity outlet. It is for me! Good news and answered prayers, O

Anonymous said...

I appreciate other perfectionists coming out of the closet. :) I get a lot of encouragement from reading how it is for others.

Olivia said...

Me, too, Kelly! I get this from you as well. Love and freeing mediocrity, O

The Bodhi Chicklet said...

Oh that's a great video - I must have missed it but thanks for bringing it to my attention. There's plenty of time for some wrecking of your own.

Olivia said...

Thanks for visiting, The Bodhi Chicklet! I'm glad you like the video, Blessings, Olivia

Kim said...

Mmm - were you dreaming of future DANGEROUS wrecking?? It is amazing how this seemingly benign activity reflects so much of ourselves back to us.

Jamie Ridler said...

I loved watching your video! I haven't done that one yet - and maybe should have before I started playing with food, lol!

I'm so glad you're on the adventure. Let's have fun playing with boundaries, like little kids running up and just tipping your toe over the line to see what happens, laughing wildly all the way!

Olivia said...

Kim, I like PEACEFUL wrecking :) Yes, it definitely is! Thanks, Kim. Peace and love, O

Olivia said...

Jamie,

Yes, I'm strategic in my wrecking. First the sleeping, THEN all the messy things. I love your picture of wrecking like children and playing with boundaries, Jamie! Thanks for all the time you spend reading all of our blogs and commenting. It's a BIG job! Joy and wildness, O

Melita said...

you and your journal looks so cute cuddling up together :)

WrightStuff said...

I'm glad I've already slept with mine as since that event it's got so much glitter and smells attached to it that I don't think it would make a very cosy bed companion!

Olivia said...

Thanks, Melita :)

And WrightStuff, welcome to the happyluau...yes, strategic planning is important when wrecking!

Thank you two gals for commenting here. Blessings, O

gma said...

Olivia
Love this!!!!
No snoring?

Olivia said...

Gemma,

None.

Blesssing, O

magpie said...

love the way you've absorbed and returned the thoughts about the process. its really so much more than it appears once you begin and really do it

Olivia said...

Thanks, magpie. It's one of those things that you have to do to realize how profound it is! Welcome to the happyluau! Blessings, Olivia