Friday, February 19, 2021

How To Keep a Journal

As a young girl, I kept diaries and journals filled with thoughts and poems. I continue to write in a journal and have a couple special ones just for recording adventures during family vacations. 

However, over the years taught high school and college students as well as senior citizens how to keep a journal. Writing down thoughts and experiences not only holds memories but also allows the mind to blossom in creativity.

Start blooming today!


Simple rules of keeping a journal:

* Sit in a comfortable place where you won't be interrupted for a few moments.

* Don't spend alot of time. Set a timer if needed. Use only a few minutes to write. Think of it as drinking a glass of water rather than an entire gallon. Once you get the  hang of it, you might have times where your thoughts may take up several pages.

* Don't be a critique. Journal entries are raw. Think of them as rough drafts if your wish, but don't change them. It may ruin the beauty of the words. If editing is your thing, save the original and edit a copy. Keep every draft you make. I've done that and it's fun to look back at the growth.

*Keep a journal in a notebook or on a computer. It doesn't matter. Whatever is comfortable to you. I like a journal I can hold and carry. There is something about writing with a pencil on paper that feels good.

* Don't just write, keep other things in your journal. Paste a poem or comic that you enjoyed. Clip an article. Save those doodles! Keep inspirational photos.

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