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Journaling - The Write Stuff For You?
Long ago –okay, for me, it was long ago!- it was common for a young person to keep a diary, a place to write down the heartaches and giggles of growing up, the trials and tribulations of school, friendships, sports and activities. Sometimes it was a locked book, so that we felt secure knowing our secret thought remained a secret.
How times have changed! While I no longer keep a classic diary, it is no less important for me to write down thoughts, ideas, and heaven-knows-what, on a regular basis. Nowadays, the common name is a “journal”, and seems to appeal to every segment of society. There are an abundance of ways to do this, and so many reasons why. Although I prefer longhand, many people use a computer, and there are any number of prompts/styles/methods.
Let’s explore this together!
Do you journal? What prompted you to start? What would you tell someone who wants to start?
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@gingerw I've been contemplating your question about if I have a book or quote to help me get out of a rough patch, but I don't. At times I refer to Psalms 139 which helps me to think someone is watching over me.
Pardon the delay in responding.
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3 Reactions@fiesty76 I agree The words just come and I put the down in my book I have several different books to use on subjects
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1 ReactionWhen I tried "The Artist's Way" before, I joined an in-person weekly group that was working through the book. It wasn't a good fit for me, the group nor book, at that point in my recovery. That didn't mean I stopped putting books on my shelf that I thought might give me support and help in writing and rediscovering myself. It's not easy, it's often pretty painful emotionally, ripping the bandage off an old wound. But fresh air and examination often leads [eventually] to healing.
I'd love to hear from those who would like to share, have you used journaling or writing while in recovery, be it from physical or emotional addictions? While in recovery from a major medical event? While dealing with a life-altering situation?"
Ginger
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2 ReactionsHave any of you read the magazine "True Story"? When I was in my teens, I subscribed to "True Story". I really loved reading about people's lives. I do remember one story where a woman (I suppose a very young married woman) was invited to a "pot party". She was talking about how there were two different kinds of "pot parties". One of them consisted a person cooking in some kind of very nice cookware--the other kind consisted of smoking pot. I had no idea what she was referring to when she said smoking pot. Later, much later in life, I was more informed. I just know there were so many stories of heartache, I always thought I would write my story. I know I don't have a lot of time left--I have bits and pieces of a journal--here and there. My story wouldn't fit in a magazine--it would be more like a huge book. I am a people person; however, sometimes I think I am a loner. So, what does hat make me? Beats me.
True Story.....Brings back memories of my teen years. Modern Romance was another one. Then I discovered I didn't have to read these magazines-that I was LIVING many of the stories (This was in the 1950s and I was married young). They were good magazines for a teenager to read and helped make me a lifelong reader. I started reading comic books as soon as I could read, graduated to True Story and Modern Romance and then to real books. Being a reader helped me in school and college and now books take me to many places that I may never visit in person. I have found an article on line that I believe most older people would love. Do a search for "and then it is winter". It is very moving. I have been writing answers to some questions I wish I had asked my mother and grandmothers-so my descendants can learn a little about me and my life. It isn't a book but I wish I had something like that from people who came before me but they are all gone now.
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2 Reactions@nene22, I just read the poem: "and then it is winter". Thank you so much for sharing this touching piece.
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2 ReactionsI love to write but as for delibert journaling I never got into it. I write a lot on anything I have laying around, envelopes, scrap paper, back of magazines etc. Thoughts and doodling can be found on just about everything. I suppose if I would organize it, it would make more sense. Think I'll hang around this site for while and get some encouragement and common know how. I'll be around. Jeanie
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3 ReactionsHello @nene22
For those who may not have read, "And Then it is Winter," here is the link that will take you to this very thought-provoking writing. I appreciate you sharing this!
http://www.wardtanneberg.com/2019/02/25/and-then-it-is-winter/
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2 Reactions@jeanie26 Writing can be fun, can be therapeutic, can be very enlightening. You may be journaling without realising it; it seems the two are interchangeable. You record daily events, personal thoughts, ideas, feelings, reminders, notes, etc. Who's to say what to call it!? If you were to delve into my belongings, you would find writings scattered all over. Like you, I will write on anything!
Ginger
@jeanie26, You may be "journaling" without realizing it. Whenever I put thoughts to paper, I am just recording whatever is going on at the moment. I found using a lined spiral notebook helpful because it kept all of my scribblings in one place. Have done this for years but didn't always date the entries. Another advantage of the school spiral is that I can remove pages later if I wish.
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