Writing words of inspiration
By Chris Simon

Innisfil author Sandra Nascimento holds her first published work, a journal with inspirational poetry and messages, last week.

Sandra Nascimento is trying to inspire others.

The Innisfil mother of three works as a mortgage consultant in Barrie. She's written privately for years, concealing many of her thoughts in journals and poetry. Until recently, her writing had never been published, and she had yet to feel the giddy joy of seeing her name on display at a local book store.

But two years ago, she decided to try designing a journal with inspirational poetry and writing. It turned into a side project, and was finally printed in Hong Kong. Now, the suede covered journal is being sold in Chapters, Coles and several other local books stores, in hopes of inspiring others and raising their self esteem.

So far, she's personally sold about 500 copies.

"I've written for many years," she said, flipping through the journal at a local coffee shop last week. "It's going very well. (Stores) have journals with blank pages and biblical scripture, but nothing like this. It was ultimately about helping people in some way. I found that when I heard or read something inspirational it inspired me. Sometimes, having those feel good, positive stories out there helps inspire people to do different things with their own life, to help them get where they want to be and set goals.

"When you write down a thought, you remember it forever."

Nascimento began writing as a hobby upon the inspiration of her mother. As one of seven children, plenty of story ideas used to flow throughout the family.

"A lot of the compassion I have came from my parents. My mom also writes, so I probably get a little bit of that from her," she said. "I write in a journal everyday, whether its my grocery lists or e-mail address. (It's about) getting out my own feelings off my chest and onto paper."

She began designing the journal after being asked for advice by friends, colleagues and clients.

"I've had a lot of people say they're going through (something)," she said. "I'd tell them to write themselves a letter, then keep it and review it in a couple of days. Some of the things that might have bugged your butt, a couple days from now, you might look at that and think it was crazy. A journal is empowering and therapeutic."

The journal includes poetry, reflection pages and thought provoking questions, said Nascimento.

"Poetry's not necessary for anybody, but being inspired is," she said. "Virtually anybody can benefit from writing in a journal. Hopefully, by asking that question, it helps prompt that writing so that people are able to get out what they need to get out."

People can write at their own pace, without specific deadlines, said Nascimento.

"The good thing about this is it's not dated in any way. If somebody wanted to write in this once a month or 10 times a day, they can certainly do that," she said.

For more information on the journal, call 431-5387 or e-mail ijournal@ hotmail.com.