Put the "Personal" in Journaling

Sometimes when we read back over our journal entries, we’re disappointed at how 2-dimensional and detached they sound. OK, maybe those were the facts. But, cripes, there was more to it than that ... wasn’t there?

A great way to journal with more depth of feeling is to talk to your journal as though it was your dearest, most understanding friend. One with both compassion and a healthy sense of humor.

More than once, I’ve started an entry with “You won’t believe what I did today!” Or “Hot damn, I am one double smart little cookie! Get this ...” And on other days, "How on earth am I going to sort this out!" Once you begin writing in that style, you aren’t likely to go back to sketchy reporting.

As you write and again as you reread those pages later, you’ll re-experience the full impact of joy, embarrassment, challenge, or whatever the mood of the time. As you read back over difficult times, you’ll probably be amazed at how courageous you were – far more than you realized at the time. As for the high points of your life, you’ll relive that heady tingle of excitement in your journals. In addition, you’ll give vent to anger and frustration through the act of acknowledging it in writing. Yes. You had every right to be furious. But you still handled the situation with reasonable cool. Or not ...

If you plan for others to read your journal someday, using this very personal tone will also help them know what makes you tick. You aren’t a dry person, are you? Your life has flavor and intimacy. Write it just that way to your most understanding and welcoming friend – your journal!

Happy journaling

~ Linda