Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration Paperback – August 11, 2015

I ordered 2 of these journals for both of my nieces, ages 17 and 14. When I was growing up, I loved journals like this one. I think it's important that teenagers explore their hopes and dreams and innermost thoughts, and it's even better if they put it on paper. Now that I'm 30, I have so many journals like this one to look back on. I cringe at some of the comments I wrote in those things, but I also smile and become teary-eyed at others. It's fascinating to look back at some of my dreams and to realize I've accomplished them and to marvel at the unique path my life has taken. I wanted to give both of my nieces a similar experience. I didn't want to buy them something that they'll use for a year or so and toss out when something new and more exciting comes along. I thought that this would make a perfect gift because it's something that hopefully they keep for years and can reflect back on as adults. I've included a note in each journal that says something to that extent and lets them know how proud I am of both of them and that I love them.Now on to the book itself - first off, the artwork is gorgeous. Some of the drawings (they're more like paintings) are absolutely frame-worthy. They appeal to both adult women and teens because they're somewhat whimsical while still giving off a modern feel. The colors are so vivid and bright, they almost jump out at you. The quotes are all very thought-provoking. And the prompt questions really got me thinking myself... so often in life, we forget to explore ourselves, to ask ourselves important questions. We get caught in the rat race, in our everyday hectic schedules and we lose ourselves. Even though I bought this journal for my teenage nieces, it's certainly something that I'd consider purchasing for myself as well. It really does appeal to women of all ages.It would also make a great meditation companion. As a writer, I find writing to be very meditative. It really assists me in my daily breathing exercises and meditation sessions. It helps me to clear my head, to focus on nothing but myself for a few minutes. I usually use a blank notebook, but this journal would be even more helpful.Buy this for all the women in your life who need a little bit of inspiration or encouragement, and then treat yourself to one as well!

THEE best book i have ever bought! Im a nursing student and noticed my anxiety was getting much worse, it was impossible to fall asleep at night as i was constantly thinking about school. This book allows me to unwind and think about the life i currently have. It helped me rediscover the big picture. The quotes in the book really make you rethink your thoughts and your answers. Your ways of thinking about your life will significantly change. I could never buy a coloring book because I have ADD and am impatient with finishing one page. This book gives you a blank canvas to write and draw whatever you want. With your mind relaxed and focused on your thoughts and how you want to interpret your answers its difficult to become impatient. I used a pencil to answer the first question and it was TOO BLAH to me compared to the beautiful quote pictures so i went out and bought some colored pencils. I didnt know i had the creativity in me once i began. The only con i have about this book is that i wish it was thicker. I wish this book would last longer than it will. The writer is coming out with a second in June which i will be purchasing for sure. The paper used in this book feels like drawing paper, not your average reading book. I am one that is picky about the binding, however i was not going to spend double the price for a spiral bind. OVERALL THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER OPENED. I AM VERY PLEASED! My professor mentioned i needed time to destress and when i showed her this journal she was so intrigued, she purchased one for her daughter the same day. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU MEERA!!

I never loved big daunting books with tons of long exercises some of which honestly seem stupid. I love this book because it’s fun and calming to look at, the title is perfect to put you on the right mindset to use it and even helps me to just see it on my table. The activities are short and insightful, and the accompanying art and quotes are lovely. I’ve given it to several other people, all of whom are quite different, and everyone has really found value in it.

There are so many styles of journals on the market one gets very overwhelmed trying to pick out a good one. Honestly, I chose this one because I loved the cover, I liked what I saw of the inside pages, and the reviews swayed my decision.The journal prompts you with out making you work too hard. It keeps it light and fun, but also gives you some insight into yourself.obviously you should use this journal the way you see fit and feel comfortable. Whether you want to draw instead of right, write poems, stories, even cut things out of magazines and glue it onto the Pages collage style, I really enjoyed the exercises provided inside of the journal, and I am actually feeling this journal out and I’m going to save it to give to my daughter when she is older .I plan on getting another one for the year 2019. I’m going to basically fill it out as suggested inside of the journal and at the end of the year I am going to go back over everything and use it as a jump off on how to change my life, make changes, what to keep, etc.There are so many ways you can use this journal and it has so many purposes in your life. I like that it offered me a little bit of guidance so I did not just look at blank pages and feel overwhelmed as to where to begin. Blank pages kind of scare me, I start writing way too much, lose track of my original thoughts, then I get all jumbled up and frustrated, put it in a drawer and that’s that LOLBasically long story short, this would be a great Christmas/start of a new year a gift for anybody in your life that is going through some personal changes, wants to make some changes in their life, or it will just help people get everything out of their heads, heart, soul, I want to paper, give them a place to sort everything out, etc. like I said so many good healthy benefits to a journal like this.