Journals are many things to many people. They are time capsules, historical documents. And sometimes, they are little emergency medical technicians who administer CPR to recharge lifeless, vague memories. Because they take on different roles, keeping a journal is personal. Journaling is an act of self-expression and self-preservation. When we record our observations, experiences, schedules, goals, and ideas, we reaffirm and preserve our identities.
For some writers, journaling is more than keeping records. It is self-exploration through writing. To keep a journal is to discover aspects of ourselves we hadn’t noticed and to reflect on parts of our personality upon which we turn a blind eye.
Keeping a journal is creative and spontaneous. No rules apply. Therefore, you should write about whatever whenever you like. Whether you prefer digital over an analog journal, blingy over bland, or leather-bound over the spiral, it doesn’t matter. You create your experience.
If you struggle with journal ideas, here are some to get you going.
- Snapshot of a Memory: Think of an event from your childhood that involved at least one other person. Write about it in three ways. First, list “What it felt like to me,” jotting words, phrases, or sentences conveying your perspective. Second, list “What it felt like to her,” this time writing from the other person’s point of view. Finally, write a complete account of the event, considering both sides and adding sensory details.
- Eavesdrop: Go to the park or a restaurant. Tune in to conversations happening around you and write them down as dialogue. They may serve as ideas for stories.
- Visualize Your Day: Before you go to bed or wake up, visualize and write how you would like your day to unfold. Include as many details as possible. Doing so helps set your intention.
- Freewrite: Freewriting is a fabulous exercise to help unblock your creativity and ideas and help release anger and frustration. You simply write anything that comes to your mind nonstop for a timed period, usually five to ten minutes. Spelling, grammar, and cohesion don’t matter. Freewriting is uninhibited and unedited.
- Big Ideas: Put on your philosopher’s hat and ask yourself a question about an abstraction. For example, “What is family?” or “What is justice?” Write down your detailed response.
Such a great post!
Thanks for visiting, Kat!
I love journaling! Great ideas and amazing post!! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thank you, Amanda!
These are great tips! Anxiety is felt by so many. It’s great to have some options to help cope.
Thanks for visiting, Jena!
I think a snapshot of a memory would be such a fun idea to write about – thanks for sharing these!
Tash // A Girl with a View
Hi, Tash! Thank you so much for stopping by!
Such a great post for those dealing with anxiety