Writing a Journal

Steps

1. Find something suitable to write on. Whatever you have on hand is fine. Or you might like to shop for something that makes you feel good about writing inside the pages. Decide what you are going to write with. Just make sure the implement feels comfortable in your hand. Of course, if you prefer, or need to, use a word processor, typewriter, or similar instead.
2. Choose a time of day to write when you won’t be interrupted by others. This can prove a very difficult task. Make some time in your day of being alone to write in your journal. Make sure you have a comfortable place to write. You may enjoy the privacy of your own room for writing, or a busy cafe. Sitting in the same place to write can help you get into the right frame of mind for journal writing.
3. Date your entry. This may seem a real drag, but this is the only real rule when it comes to keeping a journal. You’ll be amazed just how useful having each entry dated can be.
4. Start writing. Just write whatever comes to your mind. Your focus questions should be on: 1. What have you learnt from doing this, name four things? 2. What would you change if you were able to do it again? 3. Have you encountered any issues? 4. What was your treasure in the final piece of assessment? 5. Have you continued with your journal?
5. Be creative. Try different techniques, such as lists, collage, drawing, other visual styles, or whatever takes your fancy. Your journal is a place to express your thoughts and emotions. Forget the rules and what others expect. Play with ideas and use your journal for your own benefit.
6. Stop writing, expressing, or creating at some point. Decide on a time or page limit, when your materials run out or just when you feel you’ve written all that is on your mind.
7. Reread what you’ve written, if you can. Either read it directly after making the entry or set aside a time to read your past entries. There is much to gain from rereading your journal entries.
8. Make a commitment, to gain some benefit in writing a single entry, but the greater benefits remains in making a habit of writing in your journal.

Tips

• Always choose nice stationery. There is nothing quite so delightful as Persian notebooks and Japanese or German pens to make you want to write! But if writing is your hobby, it's no different from purchasing expensive additions for a collection, sport or hobby pursuit.
• If it's been a while since you last wrote, don't try to catch up on all the interesting past events -- that kills a journal faster than anything. Just start from where you are right now, and if something significant happened recently, it will still be on your mind and you can add it in. Think of your journal as "snapshots" of moments rather than a complete and comprehensive "video" of your life. This is a very good idea!
• You don't have to begin with the typical "Dear Diary". This may seem a little strange. Address it to anyone, yourself, or nobody. Just start writing.
• Some people prefer writing in 1st person rather than narrating, because you are not telling a story, your describing your day or moment.
• Write out some timelines of events! Show your school day, for example; "1st period is from X:XXam to X:XXam, 2nd..." so on.
• Write out full conversations! Leave space here. Make it like a book.
• List all your best friend's addresses/phone numbers/emails to look back on in the future,

you can even list peoples name you encountered on there!

Warnings

• Writing can consume you once it grabs you. Don't expect to ever be able to give it up!
• Writing can also help you grow as a person, too!
• If your hand gets tired make sure to take a break.