Q:  Why should I keep a journal?

A Journaling is a great release when you're angry, sad, troubled or even wonderfully happy.  It's your safe haven for exploring your feelings and dreams.  The things you write in your journal can inspire you now and always.  Even if your journal isn't the best thing you ever write, it can be the most important thing you ever write.

(from Totally Private & Personal by Jessica Wilber)

Q:  How do I find the right journal?

A:  Journaling should feel like coming home and curling up in your favorite space. So what can help you to achieve that feeling? First and foremost, find a journal that represents you. Will you be carrying it around? If so, you will want a compact one. Do you like to fold the book back on itself? Try a wire bound journal. Do you want lined pages or blank? Now for the fun part! Do you like colorful, floral or textile designs, silly characters, black and white photos, or maybe even reprints of famous paintings on the covers? Think about all of these things and then experiment to see which type suits you best.

Q:  What happens if my mind is as blank as the page?

A Fill it up (the page, that is).

Paste in a copy of an email or letter you wrote to someone
Paste in a newspaper clipping
Press a flower
Paste in a photo
Paste in a postmarked stamp
Write the lyrics of your favorite song
Copy in a poem
Paste in a postcard
Sketch, doodle, stamp, collage

Write freely. Don't worry about spelling or grammar. Don't worry about smudged ink or cross-outs -- your journal is for you and you alone. You may share it with someone later, but when you are writing, write it for yourself. Don't write to impress anyone. Be true to yourself. Find time! Bring your journal along with you wherever you go. You'd be amazed at how much "extra" time we have in our busy lives.

 

 

 

 
     
 

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