Connect
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?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.
Connect
@pvctom @healthytoday @emyliander @lakesofdelray @lindabro @captnboat @heymama @nemo1 @edsutton
As we come in to this season of gatherings and holidays, what is on your journaling page? What prompts do you find yourself returning to time and again? Have you compared this year's entries to ones in the past? What is different? What is the same? Are you taking the time to write, or do you feel rushed for time and put it off?
I'd like to know! So would others! Let's support each other.
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsWhat a great idea, @gingerw. Thanks for the push to not only write but to compare today's writing to my writing from the past. It should be an eye-opener for all of us!
I look forward to reading all of our responses.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsFun question. I usually keep a diary of some kind. The past 13 months I'm doing a 1-line per day journal. Easy to re-read and track things. I've been surprised, though. I would say it was a great year but the journal includes some complaining and darker thoughts. Maybe that expression of feelings helps? I try and keep it balanced but 1-line is kind of flavor-of-the-day.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsI taught writing for years.. my writing was always authentic and honest. When my tsunami hit.. I kept writing and trying to make sense of my life.. I have slowly over the years stopped writing, as nothing makes sense anymore. It is too hard.. especially thinking of the season we are in now.. that has simply disappeared from my life.. and the approaching Christmas season that I simply want to bi-pass. Not easy.. for a second.. and I used to love journaling and expressing my thoughts on paper.
Crazy.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsIf I might make a suggestion...have you thought about writing with someone else, like a journal buddy? It can be in a coffee shop with a friend or even just set a time with a distant friend, both write for 15 minutes, then send email saying you are done. No need to read aloud or share. Just have a date, as that can make sure you get the chance to write. This has worked well for me. At one time I was part of an international group that met one morning a week on zoom. We'd say hi, work on our own projects, and then say bye. It was surprisingly helpful!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsI wonder where I would find somebody like that to do it with me?
The one problem is I am single.. after having had a long marriage and I walked an incredibly hard road where I lost so much, and also "ended up losing myself" as I have not been able to find work... so I end up not really even having much to talk about or say! Horrible!
Wish I could find a friend like that.... everyone who is married is just so busy with their families.. just me... never know what to do each day and it makes each day really hard!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 Reactions@mir123 What an interesting idea! Thirty years ago I was part of a Codependents Anonymous group that met on Friday nights, and the format was Write and Share. We usually had a speaker, who suggested a topic, we wrote for about 15 minutes then shared [if comfortable] During those years I wrote a lot, and somewhere those journals still exist.
Simply sitting in a shared space, and writing, can sometimes prompt us to open our heart to a page, and the ink flowing. For me, having the tools nearby at all times helps.
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsWhat a great idea, @mir123! I'd like to find a journal buddy. I've been negligent in writing here lately. Hmmm, a new idea for 2025.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@foxysoxy21 You really wouldn't need to "say" anything. If you want to meet up with someone in real time, perhaps there is a person, or two, that you can meet for coffee and writing. Switch off. I have several journaling books that I have referred to over the years, including ones by Julia Cameron, who wrote The Artist's Way. These different books have given me suggestions on journaling: when, how, tools, tips for prompts, etc. from different perspectives. And remember, the journaling covers more than just written words. Sometimes a collage of images, or drawing a picture or thought out, a poem all these can be considered, too!
I bet you have more to say than you give yourself credit for.
Ginger
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@foxysoxy21
There are several public libraries in my community that have writing groups. They usually have time to write and then to share, but sharing is optional, of course. You might look at your local library's schedule and see if they offer something like this.
Does it sound like something you might look into?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction