jacki long: Day 4968: Values of Journaling & Ghana provides Bicycles.

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Day 4968: Values of Journaling & Ghana provides Bicycles.

"Fan": junk collage, journal page.

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Click: O'Jay's, Stairway to Heaven

2GN2S

Advantages of Journaling

There are so many benefits from journaling. This is not just my opinion, but shared by many studies and even research. You can look it up, it will tell you that it enhances memory, inspires creativity, aids in goal achievement, mental health, writing ability and more. I have journaled for decades, but not because I knew of the benefits, but because it was like a tea kettle letting off steam, it felt right.

pages from an early journal

In the beginning I just wrote, usually daily and dated. Then I took a journaling class with the amazing journal artist Janice Lowry, and my journaling took off, no limits, no boundaries, more fun!

I feel that a quilt is similar to a journal, in that it contains dissimilar pieces bound together and they don't have to match, or be pretty, it's up to the maker. Many say they don't have time, but it doesn't have to be drudgery, just a period of time of your discretion to pour out whatever is on your mind or what you want to focus on. When I taught classes in journaling, and art in general, I stressed having fun. Pages don't need to be perfect, but in my opinion, fun is required,It is after all for you and not necessarily seen or approved by anyone else. This is so freeing, fun and venting helps in many ways.

definitely fun but not perfect journal entry.

I now consider this little blog that you are viewing, my journal. It is daily and it does have a myriad of subjects, thoughts and is meant to be fun.

yesterday's blog

But, I have 120+ journals of varying sizes. My three Grandhunks originally said they wanted them, so I was told not to sell them. I was flattered and people in my classes thought that was (and it was) so sweet. Now at age 84, they are all in their mid to late 20's, two are married and they may still want a few, but 120? I think not? Just one of my search for solutions as I try to pare down too much "stuff" and possibly get ready to move in the future.

some of my journals

And, so in conclusion, I do recommend journaling. I doesn't require special equipment, just something to scribble in, maybe a glue stick to attach anything that appeals, and a little of your time. The results can be life changing.

Across rural Ghana, a simple tool is making a powerful difference in girls’ education—bicycles. In many communities, students must travel long distances to reach school, often walking for hours under intense heat. This daily journey can be exhausting and, in some cases, unsafe, leading many girls to miss classes or drop out entirely. By providing bicycles, the time and effort required to reach school is drastically reduced.

With a bicycle, what once took hours can now be covered in a fraction of the time. Girls arrive less fatigued, more focused, and better prepared to learn. It also gives them greater independence, allowing them to manage their schedules and continue attending school consistently. For many families, this small intervention becomes a turning point, helping daughters stay enrolled and complete their education.

Beyond convenience, the impact is long-lasting. Education opens doors to better opportunities, improved health awareness, and stronger community participation. By addressing a basic logistical barrier, Ghana is helping more girls remain in school and build brighter futures. It shows how practical, targeted solutions can create meaningful change, proving that sometimes the path to education begins with simply making the journey easier.