Why journal?
"Journaling" gives you a chance to cope with problems, make tough decisions and become more creative — all without risk. Scribbling down anything that's on your mind, including nonsense you make up, can be really liberating.
What if you hate to write?
There's no doubt about it, writing is hard work — but only if you're concerned with rules and neatness and being judged. None of which matters when writing in a personal journal! Write quickly and don't worry about messing up. No need to cross out or make corrections. The great thing about a personal journal is that it's just for you.
What if you haven't a clue what to write about?
Everyone who writes regularly gets stuck sometimes for ideas.
Here are few suggestions to get you started:
• Think of a situation that remains unresolved. It could be telling a friend who moved how much you miss her, a teacher how unfair you thought she was, a boy how cute you find him. Then write him or her a letter you have no intention of mailing.
• Write down the date exactly a year from today. Then describe your life as you would like it to be.
• Detail a conversation between yourself and an inanimate thing: your favorite food, your worst habit, the body part that frustrates you the most.
• Write about the good things in life: a great movie, an amazing grade, a beautiful present.
• Just commit the time. Doodle, write a poem, make a wish list, record your dreams. Don't be concerned with making sense. When you reread your entries later, you'll be surprised what you'll pick up that you didn't realize when you wrote it.
• Make believe you are 25 years old. Where are you? What have you accomplished? Write down some advice for your teenage self.
The only downside to a journal is that it can get into the wrong hands. Ugh! It happens to us all. Just be sure to keep it in a safe and secret spot.
