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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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Hello Criss
A tropical storm in upstate N.Y. what a rare occurrence. I can understand floods from all the snow. I loved visiting Long Lake resort in N.Y. it’s in Hamilton county.
I’m a California native, but enjoyed traveling and visiting the Adarondic(spelling) mountains.
I’m of the mind, wherever you live, Mother Nature is there just waiting for you.
One of my biggest loses in the fire was my veryold,old books. Ones that cannot be replaced at any cost.
Clothes, furniture can easily be replaced.
In your flood, did contractor remove your walls, to dry them out and protect against mold?
Hope you never go thru it again.
As for fires, it’s a yearly event in California.
You take care,
Funcountess
@criss I will often do an essay or piece like that on computer, because I can type faster than I write longhand. Over the years I tried an electronic device for journal keeping, but found it awkward. Being a technophobe, I wasn't comfortable with any program I found. i like the portability of pen and paper, or just picking up any pen or paper to write on, not having to go open a document on a device. They recently found that writing by hand gives a different set of brain instructions, and may be more telling/healing/comforting then strokes on a keypad. The final reason is I can see my moods in my writing, the penmanship, even the size of the writing.
As for a memoir, I don't think I would want to be that "open" about my life. But I hope those who are comfortable with it, will do so.
Ginger
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2 Reactions@criss Sorry to hear of your loss of your penpal/friend. Would like a pen pal for I do enjoy writing and feel it's a lost art. I also journal both writing and recently started an art journal to keep my sanity during these challenging times.
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2 Reactions@gingerw, I just read what you replied to @criss earlier and the same applies to me as well! Something about the whole process of writing with pen on paper makes the experience more satisfying for me. Also found it very interesting that: "writing by hand gives a diff. set of brain instructions".
A few yrs ago, I tried journaling on the computer and it just wasn't the same. I also tried diff. programs for income tax prep and found that using pen, paper and a spiral notebook worked more successfully for me. And yes, the difference in pennmanship and size of writing changes depending on what is happening at the time I write or record. Thanks for your post. Good to learn I'm not alone in this!
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5 ReactionsDitto for me to. Fiesty76 and Gingerw I need paper and pen to think straight. Guess we are old school.
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2 ReactionsRe "journaling" , the new term for diary...a couple stray comments...I am glad to see I'm not the only one who needs the perfect writing implements..sharp sharp pencils and/or smooth no bleed gel pen...and paper stock that is NOT flimsy...but is a good, sturdy texture. A really nice notebook that feels good in my hands. It's a process.
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3 Reactions@georgette12 I liken journaling to putting out all kinds of thoughts onto paper [or screen if one is so inclined!]. The journaling could include drawing pictures, or pasting in inspiring words/comments/images. It could also record daily life. For me, in my experience, keeping a diary is a recording/reporting of everyday events, perhaps including appointments, the weather, details of life like expenses/diet/ exercise. Personally, I find I combine the two, and don't make much of a distinction.
The satisfaction of quality paper, with a pen on on it, can't be beat!
Ginger
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3 ReactionsI wonder if anyone else feels this way. Putting my thoughts down on paper...if I'm super honest...can throw me into a bad space. Words, phrases, thoughts that come through my pen...can flip me back to bittersweet memories....
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1 Reaction@georgette12 Yes, I have had the same thing happen to me. Often, it gives me pause, because I wasn't even thinking about what came out of my pen! So, it must be something needing attention. Usually something sad, or frustrating, maybe something being ignored.
What do you do when this happens to you?
Ginger
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1 ReactionI actually avoid doing any personal writing. I have consistent flashbacks that have been more frequent. I think the stress of living with covid, combined with one's usual challenges, is bringing up past experiences that are not good. I do see a counselor and talk to a few support people. That's essential. But seeing my feelings in writing just makes me cry.
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3 Reactions