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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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@sandwalk "Comparanoia" can be a very real thing for many of us. When I look at artwork done by others, I do that, and then beat myself up, sometimes. We each have our good points. Remember that.
A saying that comes to mind is, "there is not strong light without shadow". For myself, that translates that I need to recognize those days/times when things may not be all positive. It gives me something to work on, to bring about more positivity in my life, and deal with the shadow stuff. To not compare ourselves to others is really hard! But you could look at it as, "oooh, I want to be like that/do that. How can I get to that point, what will I need to do?" This way you are looking at an example of where you want to strive to . Does that make sense?
It takes time for our bodies to adjust to the new medications. Please let me know how you are doing, okay?
Ginger
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1 ReactionHello, @paulko
I've always found journaling to be an extraordinary experience. The more you do it, the more extraordinary it becomes. I've been journaling for … oh, gosh, I can't even guess how many years! In the first years, if I missed a morning or gave in to just not feeling like journaling, it was No Big Deal. Nowadays, however? Oh boy! I have no choice. Journaling is my early morning fix (along with my coffee!). As you say: introspection is helpful. I might go as far as to say it's essential!
Keep that pen moving, @paulko
Cheers!
ray (@ray666)
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1 ReactionI have been journaling for decades. It is a go-to way for me to express myself, check in with myself, and over the decades, to heal myself.
Recently I had a visit with my brother, and discovered he uses a journaling system that can best be described as "modular". A different set of [refillable] pages for calendar, or writing, or planning, or drawing, or musings. So, my question for those who would like to share their experience, what do you use? It seems to be a fad these days, having a modular system. Do you do that? I am thinking of doing that, but you know how old habits die hard! My library has a lot of individual journals, a few dedicated only to my poetry, some to musings/thoughts only, many to daily-type writings.
What have you tried and felt it didn't fit how you wanted it to? Do you take your writing "on the road" with you, or have portable paper and pen along? What have you tried, stuck with for a while, then tried something new?
Enquiring minds want to know!
Ginger
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2 ReactionsHi, @gingerw. I use a Composition notebook, college-ruled. Anyone who's been through grade school knows the kind I mean. I deposit everything in this one book. I use it until it is filled. Then I get a new Composition notebook. These books don't travel; they remain at home. For ideas that spring to mind when I'm away from home, I use a miniature spiral notebook, or, if necessary, any ol' scrap of paper. ––Ray (@ray666)
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1 Reaction@gingerw Always love thinking about this! I've done different things over the years. I'm a writer, so I've struggled with professional v. private writing a bit. Should they share a notebook? Or?
Currently I have a pretty notebook and keep a one-line a day journal in it. I always have an ongoing notebook--that is journaling, drafting poetry and prose, To Do lists, drawing, everything. But I number the pages and index it so I can find things. Then I keep a tiny notebook in my purse for notes on the go. and one more--a projects review notebook (large and bland) that I look at every 90 days. But the everything notebook is really where I "live." I left one behind a few years ago in an air bnb and felt completely lost without it. I don't use a smartphone, so it is all paper. Of course I got a new notebook immediately. I need it more than an umbrella, first aid kit, or lip gloss! It's my home--both traveling & staying put. Enjoy whatever you try!
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1 Reaction@ray666 I keep a small spiral notebook in my glovebox "just in case". It sure has come in handy!
Thanks for the response.
Ginger
@mir123 Ha Ha Ha I have about 6 blank notebooks/journals on hand. Picked them up at different times when I saw them/they were on sale/just felt the need to get them. Many of my notebooks/journals have the back portion with poetry, starting from the last page. Many decades ago my dad taught me the value of not only dating your entire s, but noting weather, or place where you're writing. My Zentangle (R) journal is separate only because I often will do a "study" on a particular pattern. Those free memo pads that come with the charitable organizations' requests for donations fit handily right inside my purse.
We have a community yard sale next weekend. Maybe I will find someone who tried a modular journal and didn't like it...
Ginger