My journal provides me with a special place where I plan, vent, dream, laugh, cry, sort out confusion, get grounded, achieve a sense of calmness and so much more (This post from last month provides added detail.). Last summer, I conducted a volunteer presentation for local girls. A portion of that workshop focused on journal writing. Listed below, are the tips I developed from that presentation. I hope you enjoy!
- Let
it speak to you! Choose a journal that is
special to you (e.g. its cover
is in your favorite color or contains a design that attracts you). Your
journal need not be expensive. Even a simple, spiral-bound pad of paper
can become meaningful when you decorate its cover!
- It’s
a date. At the top of the page,
write the day, date and time for each new entry. You can even record the
place where you wrote when it’s somewhere unusual or noteworthy. It’s fun
to look back and see when certain things were written. Journals are
wonderful to reference—even years later!
- Answer
the call. Write when the
inspiration to do so hits you—rather than waiting to do it later.
- Comfort
is queen. Find a comfy, cozy place
to write in your journal. Have your favorite beverage nearby. When it’s
cold outside, keep a blanket or wrap handy.
- Pack
it! Bring your journal along with you when you
travel.
- Create
fun times. From time to time,
schedule special journal writing sessions in interesting places (e.g. a
coffee shop, the park, under a tree in your backyard, etc.). Doing so can
create fond memories for you!
- Never
worry about writer’s block. Use
prompts to help you get started (e.g. “Today, I feel…” ) Need more inspiration? See my recent blog post here.
- No
rules allowed… When it comes to
journal writing, there truly are no rights or wrongs. Use your
journal to set goals, puzzle out problems, reflect upon your feelings,
write poetry, draw, etc. Your journal is your special place!
