“As you light this match, we lend our spark and light the way for others.” – The Matchstick Sessions Creed
On 18 June 2025, the Saint Louis University (SLU) Talged Center conducted Matchstick Sessions 3 titled, “Creative Journaling: Fearless Self-Expression and Reflection.” The morning and afternoon sessions each gathered up to 12 Louisian students, all interested to learn creative ways to express themselves through journaling.
Opening the session with a welcome message was Justine S. Latawan, Talged Center Assistant. “Smile at the person next to you,” she began. “This is a brave space where you may have something new to explore or something you may have lost but found again. Another thing, be present,” she reminded.
Ms. Latawan introduced the Luminary of the Day, Rae Floresca-Rigonan, a Louisian alumna and former instructor at the BA Communication program. She has now fully embraced the craft as an artist, journaling workshop host, and co-founder of Notable Maria.
The symbolic Matchstick Ceremony then took place to officially begin the creative session. A candle was lit expressing the thought, “As you light this match, we lend our spark and light the way for others.”
Speaking to the participants, Rigonan expressed hope that after the creative journaling workshop, participants will “no longer be scared of a blank page” and that they’ll have more ideas what to write on the page.
The workshop began with a short talk about the creative process of journaling. Being both introspective and retrospective, journaling is a process of documenting thoughts, emotions, reflections, and personal experiences in written and visual form. As a tool for mental health, it aids understanding and processing feelings, reducing feelings of being overwhelmed and anxious. It emphasizes self-care and cultivates a positive self-image.
To start journaling, one needs writing materials, ephemera, space, motivation, consistency, and curiosity. Ephemera are items designed to be useful or important for only a short period of time, often within the duration of a specific event or purpose. Think flyers, tickets, brochures, pieces of paper, anything at all that can “preserve the moment.”
Several creative ways to fill journal pages include bullet journaling, collage journaling, art journaling, media journaling, reflective journaling, and creative journaling. Today, journaling extended to different niches: junk journals, travel journals, fitness journals, food journals, prayer journaling, morning pages, and more.
Each with their own journaling kit—complete with a guide, sticker sheets, a handful of trinkets, and thoughtful prompts—the participants set about crafting their pages with care. Whether inspired by a word, a thought, or a state of mind, each journaled and zoned in, embracing creativity and self-reflection.
After an hour, a “journal latag” took place where participants put their journals side-by-side for display, fostering the shared community experience.
“Your journal is your safe space. There is no perfect journal. You don’t have to be the best writer or artist in journaling. It’s your personal keepsake. You may or may not show it to the world but it is also good to inspire others how journaling has helped you in your daily life. Note that it is important that you begin, enjoy the process, and learn as you progress,” Rigonan encouraged.
Matchstick Sessions are rooted in the advocacy of sharing one’s passions within the community, offering individuals a space to explore themselves alongside others. This advocacy aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being, by promoting mental wellness, connection, and personal growth.
