Infinite Onion

It's all about the layers

Can I share one of my overworked analogies with you?

I was thinking that one lesson I’ve taken to heart after decades of journaling is that there’s always something new to discover about ourselves — a perspective we haven’t considered before, a detail we haven’t noticed until just now, an understanding we’re still developing, etc.

Following Shrek’s lead, the onion analogy came to mind: under every layer we uncover as we learn and reflect, there’s always a fresh one waiting to be examined. Except, for us, there are a lifetime’s worth of layers to peel back. We are infinite onions.

Most of the time, that’s the thing that keeps me journaling — the steady stream of discoveries. It’s also the thing that makes reflective practice hard. It’s never quite finished, which can feel daunting.

But then last week, about 40 fellow journalers joined me in a quick lightning round. Sincerely, it made my week. I feel like we did a little reflecting together. Peeled back a layer or two, even.

Which brings me to the subject of today’s post. I may be pushing my luck, but I’ve made another lightning round list.

It includes one pair in particular that prompted a delightful insight in my own journaling. I discovered it wasn’t the option I chose that mattered (and I did choose, which is my one lightning round rule), but how each option related to my creative process. I hadn’t thought about detailed instructions vs. general guidelines in quite that way before. I can’t wait to dig into those layers!

If you’d like do some lighthearted, on-the-spot reflecting with today’s lightning round, all you have to do is pick your options, click, then continue on with your day — perhaps with a little more clarity and possibly even a touch of delight.

Here goes!

That’s Round 2, done and dusted! I hope you enjoyed today’s pairs! If you’d like to share your thoughts on your picks, I’d love to join you in the comments.

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If you’d like to support my work, here are five quick things you can choose from that will make a lasting impact:

1. Like or comment on this post, or share it with someone who might enjoy a colourful adventure in journaling.

2. Visit my Pinterest page for inspiration. If you find a journal page that sparks your reflective curiosity, click, save, or heart it. Your clicks and saves help other people find my work.

3. For a behind the scenes look at my experiments in visual journaling through paper cutting, explore my YouTube channel.

4. Visit my shop and select one of my free pages or purchase one of my sets to reflect on your one-of-a-kind life.

5. Say hello! It lets me know that you’re out there as a fellow journaler. I’d love to connect with you and I’ll be delighted send you a selected page from my collection as an introduction to my work.