Journaling: Not Just for Writers

I love the Wizard of Oz. This volume by “a novel journal” is unique: the lines on the pages are actually a reprint of L. Frank Baum’s classic tale.

I love me a beautiful writing journal.  Browsing all the shapes and sizes, colors and patterns, snap closures and leather ties is, for me, better than shoe shopping.  I’m proud of my collection of bound volumes adorning my bookshelf, but I have a dirty little secret:  I’m not so good about writing in them.  Even the brand-new, shimmery, technicolor volume beckoning to me from my office space is not motivating me to finish writing in the yummy “Land of Oz” journal I currently use.  Not that I don’t love journaling because I do crave the chance to free-write but it just seems like too decadent an undertaking.  To have the time to sit and muse on paper seems something for the idle procrastinator.  Or for the budding author who dreams of writing memoirs someday.  But the power of journaling is real and something not just for the characters in a Jane Austen novel.  Here’s why you (and I) can and should start journaling today.

Why journal?

1.  Journaling is a great way to brainstorm.  Jot down your ideas for, say, your son’s birthday party.  Where to take your next family vacation.  Solve a work problem.  As a real-life example, I spent some time journaling about my new job and figured out how to fit an event into my already full schedule.
2. Journal to work through emotionally difficult times.  I often tell friends that writing is better than therapy.  When my husband and I were in the throes of infertility I wrote about our experience in a short essay I called “Infertility Unplugged” and transferred the burden of sadness and frustration to paper.  This experience helped me relax into rolling with the punches.  Whether by sheer coincidence or if my shift in mental state made a difference, we became pregnant soon after I wrote it all down ( to be clear, writing will not make a pregnancy happen…).  Some sage advice:  an article on journaling in the May 2018 Real Simple suggests limiting the negative in your journaling to 3 pages or so.  After that, spend the next few minutes looking at your problem from another’s point of view.  Then consider: What questions would you ask this person?  What advice would you share?
3. Journaling is great sleep hygiene.  Put pen to paper and jot down the next day’s schedule.  Worried about tomorrow’s work presentation?  Unload it into your journal.  Let your writing bear the next day’s load instead of letting your anxieties swirl around in your head and keep you from getting a good night’s rest.  Or:
4. Journal when you wake up and before your feet hit the floor.  Our minds are more pliable and creative before we are fully awake.  Who knows what you may come up with!
5. Journal to be grateful.  According to a study cited in May 2018’s Real Simple, people who once a week for ten weeks kept a gratitude journal were happier and felt better physically than those in a control group.  So try expressing your gratitude in a  journal for an improved outlook on life.

How to get started.

1.  Find your (paper) jam.  Invest in a paper journal that you love.  You’ll be more likely to use it if a beautiful cover, heavy paper and a tactile experience tempt you from your nightstand.  Or try a large desk calendar so you don’t miss a day.  And don’t forget an awesome pen.  I’ve mentioned in previous posts I am weird about my pen and very, very possessive of it.   My recommendation?  A thick-barreled Sharpie ink pen that won’t bleed through the pages.
2. RELAX.  This journal is for you.  No one else.  Your goal is to reflect, record, gripe or feel inspired.  Full sentences?  Not necessary.  Phrases or “bullets” are totally “in.”  And fasten your seat belts for this next one.  You don’t even need to use words.  Yup, you heard right.  Your journal can include doodles, ticket stubs….the sky’s the limit.  Hair from your daughter’s first haircut.  A poem or article someone else wrote.  You get the picture (in fact, go get one and stick it in your journal!)
3. Take your time and take chances.  Enjoy the freedom to discover yourself and your surroundings.  Savor the experience.  Journaling is an adventure you get to take from your the safety of your personal space.

My next journal waits patiently on my nightstand.

What to write about

1.  Writers’ block.  If you’re stumped, you can always write about exactly that.  At least that’s what I tell my kids (dirty looks ensue).
2. Take to Google:  search “Journaling Prompts” and find ideas for every day of the week.
3. Try journaling worksheets.  A suggestion is Jessica Mullen’s Gathering Momentum workbook which allows space for jotting and doodling.
4. Remember, your journal is yours.  There is no audience.  And if you can’t think of something to write down just draw, dream or paste.

And have fun!  I look forward to taking this journaling journey with you.

Later this week:  How to help kids start their own journals and why journaling is great for kids.

Links/Sources:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/mar/22/how-to-start-journal-writing-drawing

https://www.themuse.com/advice/8-ways-to-stop-thinking-about-journaling-and-actually-start-journaling

Real Simple, May 2018, pp. 89-92.