I keep a large journal in which I paste cut-out words and phrases that have meaning for me. They’re usually those I find in a magazine, many times coupled with a captivating image that grabs my attention or resonates in a particular way. 

The idea first came from something I read about working with teens. Adolescents often find it difficult to put words to what they’re feeling and experiencing, so it can be helpful to take out an old stack of newspapers and magazines and encourage them to cut out whatever feels true and inspires them right now, then paste it into a collage. It can be helpful to sit alongside them and do the same. My niece and I did the activity once at a time when she was closed off from meaningful conversation. When she stopped the activity after just a few words, staring at a mostly blank page, I was there to pass a few words on to her, reminding her she is amazing, beautiful, loved, and strong. It was a powerful experience, providing us windows into her soul and mine. 

Don’t we all struggle at times, in this busy world we live in, to listen to the whispers within? For this reason, this word search collage is a practice I’ve continued. Words have the power of life and death, and for many of us, there are words and lies we have believed about ourselves that have wrapped us in chains. This is one practice I use to break those chains. When I’m feeling the most hurried, disquieted, discouraged, or disconnected from myself, a pair of scissors, an old magazine, and my collage journal (preferably accompanied by Norah Jones or Hillsong), are welcome friends. Leafing through what I’ve pasted in my journal has the power to whisper back to me what my heart and soul are crying out for, what my core values and priorities are, and to remind me of who I truly am.

For example, on so many pages are images of smiling women in hammocks or on stand-up paddleboards, or sitting in comfy armchairs or front porches. The image of a woman at rest, enjoying life obviously calls to me, as do the words, “Rest; rejuvenate; sleep, reclaiming a place; simple ways to refresh; wholesome loving care from this day forward.” Words about being present sound out like a clarion call. “Revel in the great outdoors; watch the extraordinary moments unfold; discover the moment; life’s better when you’re in it; be there; mind every moment; make the most of your day.”

Other phrases remind me of what’s important to me, “Live with all your heart; create a lasting legacy; giving is good; unconditional love, getting closer; collect experiences, not things; always seek your inner light; look deep into nature.” Many remind me of my calling and encourage me to go after my dreams, “Find the perfect stories; stories are important and deserve to be told.”

There are those that say, “Live happily ever after,” or “The best is yet to come,” that encourage my heart to hope when it feels a bit low. Some, like, “Choose happiness,” which I combined with, “It’s time, right now,” that inspire me in my attitudes and choices. And others, “Take it outside; Dress like a box of crayons; Life is eating, laughing, and loving,” just remind me to have FUN. 
Sometimes I look through my book and am amazed to see the person buried deep inside me. At others, I’m just glad to see her again. My book helps me to hear Emily Dickinson’s voice nudging, “The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience…. Dwell in possibility.” Most often, the words whisper the voice of God, telling me His truth that supersedes any other voice, reminding me of His love that is immense and unconditional, speaking His words that break every chain.