I used to be an avid journal writer
and recommend it for anyone wanting to jot down information about important
events or for those suffering through tough times. Journal writing is very
cathartic and soothing. If you’re looking for directions, answers and searching
for meaning, there’s no better place to start then with the stuff that’s
already inside your own heart. It’s writing that doesn’t need research because
it comes from within. Here are five good reasons to keep a journal near you at
all times.
The Art of Writing
1 They
aren’t teaching penmanship in school anymore. Make it your personal mission to
continue the tradition of the written word. If you need to practice cursive
writing, then you might want to try this fun practice website where you can
type something and then print it: Practice cursive writing
Once you’ve
mastered the basics maybe you’ll go on to calligraphy which is still considered
the “art of writing” and still used for thank you notes, invitations and
announcements. A journal is a wonderful place to practice your calligraphy or
cursive writing.
Dreams
2 A
journal is a great way to document dreams. Someday in the future when you
reread your dream journal maybe you can understand why those dreams happened in
the first place. If you feel your dreams, nightmares or visions are personal,
then get a diary with a lock, or find a secret place for storing your journals.
Travel
3 Keep
a travel journal filled with all your sightseeing and dining experiences.
Someday when you need to round out an article or blogpost on Costa Rica or Hawaii,
you can use some personal experiences to make the piece meaningful or
heartfelt. Readers want to know about the actual places you have visited and
what happened when you landed at the crowded airport, what you thought of your
hotel and which restaurants were the best. And when you write your memoirs, you’ll
be prepared!
Therapy
4 Words
can be shields through the tough times--especially during times of mourning and
loss. If you have recently lost a friend or relative then write your feelings
down in your journal before posting your pain on Facebook. Get it out. Let the
tears stain the pages. Your supportive friends will be there when you’re ready
to share your summed up emotions. Write until you understand which direction to
go and which path to take. Write until the fog seems to settle and the sunshine
peaks through the bleakness. Write to cheer up or to figure things out.
Sketchbook
5. Can’t think of anything important to write about in your journal? Then doodle. Draw something or paint on a page. Use colored pencils or felt-tip pens and make yourself laugh. Draw hearts, flowers or the tangible tears you’re feeling. Maybe draw the summer memories at the shore. There’s a reason you want to make an entry in your journal and perhaps words aren’t enough right now. Use what you can to make a statement. Draw around your fingers and date the page. Copy a recipe onto the facing page or jot down what you’d like to watch on television. Have a conversation with yourself or God. Create a poem or a prayer. Ask and you shall receive.
5. Can’t think of anything important to write about in your journal? Then doodle. Draw something or paint on a page. Use colored pencils or felt-tip pens and make yourself laugh. Draw hearts, flowers or the tangible tears you’re feeling. Maybe draw the summer memories at the shore. There’s a reason you want to make an entry in your journal and perhaps words aren’t enough right now. Use what you can to make a statement. Draw around your fingers and date the page. Copy a recipe onto the facing page or jot down what you’d like to watch on television. Have a conversation with yourself or God. Create a poem or a prayer. Ask and you shall receive.
