I worked in the radio industry for seven years. That’s seven years of forming some of the best working relationships I’ve ever had. I can effortlessly recall specific conversations and events with people who felt more like family members than co-workers. When I left to start a business, it was understood that we’d keep in touch. Yet, I haven’t spoken with any of them since.
The truth is that after a transition in life, we’re likely to lose contact with many of our friends. Whether a co-worker changes jobs or a friend moves out-of-state, the scenario is the same for most of us. The promise to keep in touch is whispered into the air and carried off on the breeze of good intentions.
Emotionally and physically, maintaining close relationships is a benefit. In fact, studies show that people with “more extensive social networks are at a reduced risk of cognitive impairment.” Social media has capitalized on our need for interaction and is revolutionizing what it means to have a network of friends. These outlets make it a cinch to stay “close,” share photographs and comments or simply to determine what our friends are doing at any given moment. The online equivalent of reality television, social media also gives us permission to “get our voyeur on.”
The Power Of Touch
Yet, something is still missing. Many of us need to have a more tactile, engaging and creative experience of connecting with others; one that also engages the senses and evokes passion. Our intention often needs a nudge that our computers can’t give.
The Journey Begins
I found my circle journal, a small group album with pages designed by more than one person, buried in the bottom of a box, in pristine condition as if it were waiting for me to re-discover it. I felt as if I had found the journal and much more — buried treasure, motivation, connection, possibilities, and the beginning of a journey. If there are people in your life that you want to connect with, perhaps this could work for you.
How To Start Your Circle Journal Exchange
Determine the purpose of your journal. Circle journals can be used to become re-acquainted with old friends, to celebrate existing close relationships, or serve as an ice breaker in cultivating new friendships. Here are my top tips for getting the most out of the experience
- Choose your friends wisely. Decide whether you want to exchange the journal with one person or several people. Send out “feelers” to determine the level of interest. Scrapbookers, military families, college buddies, adoptive and birth families, and pen pals are examples of potential journaling groups.
- Set a limit. Determine the maximum number of participants who will be involved. This type of “round robin” exchange may be more successful if there are fewer people involved.
- Decide on a theme. Pages can reflect open-ended themes, such as “a day in the life,” or “what inspires me.” Favorite recipes, family folklore, inspiration from fashion or your favorite lyrics are also intriguing circle journal themes.
- Pick a format. The pages can serve as a template to add journal entries of text or you can allow them to be a blank canvas to be filled with photographs, magazine clippings, found objects, ticket stubs, or drawings.
- Be specific. It is important to effectively communicate the guidelines for the swap. Details like the number of journals in circulation, the length of the swap, the start date, and mailing instructions should be worked out beforehand.
- Ready, set, mail. Complete your page and mail it to the first person on the list (if exchanging with a group). Anticipate its return with pages full of life.
Keeping in Touch
Scrapbooks in motion, circle journals are a creative and unique way to stay in touch. As each journal begins its cyclical journey, it arrives at each new destination as a blank slate and leaves it as a mosaic of inspiration and insight; a documented glimpse into the lives of all who touch it.
So what are you waiting for, connect with someone you love today!
Resources
The official Circle Journey website
CreativeXpress
Scrapbooks, etc.
Photo by Rev Dan Cat.
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