Tera's Wish

more on journaling

I received more mail about my article on journaling, than any other part of my first newsletter. Many of the letters asked for more information - so here it is!

The cardinal rule of journaling is that you cannot do it wrong! Many of the letters I received said that they had tried journaling in the past but failed! Yes, you need to write, or paint, or fill your journal - but for you that might be once a day, once a week or once a year. I have a friend that spends every new years evening and day alone. She spends that time creating a journal of her year. Sometimes it is two or three pages, sometimes it is ten. She has done it for years and it is cathartic and important for her.

What is the purpose of a journal? I think there are probably many reasons to journal. For some it is a way to vent emotions, for others it is a thinking through process. The worst thing a journal can be is a chore!

What format should it take? The one that is most inspiring to you! I personally find small journals too limiting. I like to write big if I want to. I have had every size and shape of journal. The most important thing is that it is easy for you to transport. I carry my journal on all trips - I find airplanes a great place to collect my thoughts!

What should you write in it? Your thoughts, your fears, your dreams I write about what it is like to be a woman, a wife, a daughter. I fill pages with my frustrations with myself and the people in my life - the things I need to get out of my system but don't necessarily really mean. I write down quotes and memorable moments from my friends. I write down complements! Anything that I want to reinforce in my life, I put into writing.

Some journal writers start with a set of questions that they answer each time they write (date, city, what I did today, what did I not get done, who did I talk to today, etc.). I personally prefer a more stream of consciousness approach - but mostly because I do not write in my journals to document my life. I use my journals as a way to process and reflect on my life.

I encourage you to start a journal. Whether you write in it in the morning, or at night, or when you are in the Laundromat, you will find that keeping a journal enhances your life and helps you to get things into perspective!

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