This handy little tool is more than an exercise for writer's block. You may find after changing your lifestyle to incorporate it into your daily activities it will help strengthen your "voice", become a guide to your inner voice, and open doors within which you may have never known existed.

Simply put, the "daily journal" is writing 3 pages of whatever crosses your mind - but it must be done everyday! If you have nothing to say, write it down, fill all 3 pages writing "I have nothing to say". If you're thinking about what to eat - write it down. If you're thinking about doing laundry - write it down. Whatever you are thinking about or not thinking about - write it down, fill all 3 pages each and every day. This is stream of consciousness writing.

Give yourself permission to write absolutely anything. Burn it if that would make you feel better or keep it locked away. This is your time with you and getting all the chatter out of the way that may be whirling around inside will eventually open new doors for you. First time I tried this exercise I was skeptical. But 12 weeks later I surprised myself by the results and the changes inside and out.

Yes, ok, a school exercise. Sound boring? Maybe so - but try it and see where the first word leads you. Pick a word, any word, and just go with it. Can't think of one right now? Here's one:

flower - garden - dirt - weeds - grass - lawn - picnic - barbecue - sauce

.... and on. Now you try. Do this when you feel that incredible need to write but nothing is coming out. Try a couple of them. Have fun with it. You never know where it may lead...

List 20 things you enjoy doing (such as photography, camping, riding a bike, riding a horse, making love, playing catch, etc.) and beside each write the date you last did each one on your list. Pick 2 from the list to do this week.

Describe your ideal environment in one full paragraph. Town? Country? Cozy? Sleek? What's your favourite season? Why? Go through some magazines or surf the net and find a picture/image of both. Keep them near your workspace.

List ten tiny achievable changes you'd like to make for yourself, from the significant to the small or vice versa. Select one small item and make it a goal for this week.