I’ve heard it many times, and experienced myself often: once I get started, the story just flows from my pen. But the key is “once I get started”. Sometimes those first words are absolutely the hardest. The blank page (or journaling block) can be so scary. But don’t let that stop you. When you need help getting started, pull out one of these Sentence Starters to kickstart your thinking and your journaling.
I think…

I feel…

I remember…

I believe…

I hope…

My favourite part is…

I want you to know…

I love it when you…

I like it when…

I laugh when…

And if you’re still a little scared about writing in permanent pen on that journaling block you’ve already glued to your layout, grab a piece of scrap paper instead. Try out a few different Sentence Starters, get your story the way you want it, and then copy it onto your layout.

Here's my example.  Take this picture of my Charlie playing soccer:

And here's the journaling that could go with it:

I laugh when I see some of the exercises that Coach Nigel makes you guys do.  No, this is not a rendition of Beyonce's "Single Ladies", but just a reminder of which way you're going on the soccer field.  From putting your ears on the ball, to "Chickens vs Coyotes", to relay races, Coach really has you engaged.  I love that you love playing soccer, and if you still don't get a goal this year, I don't care.  I just want you to have fun.  GO RED ROCKETS!


Now it's your turn.  Choose a photo or a layout, choose a Sentence Starter and just get started.