Discover How Simple Journaling Can Make 2023 a Much Better Year
As if eliminating sugar from my diet and getting more exercise weren’t challenging enough, I’ve decided to attempt the practice of journaling.
Notice that I said ‘attempt’ because I make no promises here. I’ve made enough (failed) New Year’s Resolutions to know that this is more difficult in practice than in theory.
But I’m a writer, so writing more should be a pleasure, yes?
Well, it is…If I can stick to it. Writing this newsletter each week takes more time than I imagined. I’m also adding a new section (coming in March) that tells intimate stories about my struggle with codependency. That will require additional time and work.
So, I’m intimidated by the thought of adding even more to my writing agenda. However, after reading 12 Ways to Use a Diary by Jillian Hess, I realized that there’s more than one way to keep a diary!
Long ago, I was gifted a five-year diary as a youngster. It had a shiny pink cover and a lock for safekeeping. I wrote in it regularly for the first couple of years, recording all the monumental things that happen to a fourth grader.
But the practice tapered off over time. Humans are a fickle bunch when it comes to their endeavors. Even as kids, we tend to start strong but peter out once the novelty wears off.
I assumed that keeping a diary meant dutifully recording in longhand each day’s events, thoughts, etc. However, Hess’s article presents different options based on the diary's purpose and how much time you have to invest.
And who doesn’t like having options?
There’s a ‘Resolutions’ type where you record your daily goals/to-do lists. These entries could be as long or short as you want. There are ‘Theme’ styles that focus on one aspect of your life, such as a hobby or interest. Short on time? Try the ‘Single-Line’ diary, where being concise is the whole point. Or, if you’re the artsy sort, then an ‘Illustrated’ kind might be the ticket, with colored pens, paints, stickers, and such.
I’m going to try ‘Morning Pages,’ which involves composing three pages of longhand, stream-of-conscious style writing every morning. There’s no form or rules for this, just whatever is in your head when you wake up. No edits or rewrites, just a simple dumping of the mind before heading for the coffee maker.
Hess notes that Elif Batuman, a published author, New Yorker staff writer, and Pulitzer Prize finalist, swears by Morning Pages. And if it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for me. (Another bonus: I can do it before getting out of bed!)
Journal writing is a voyage to the interior. – Christina Baldwin
Journaling is also an effective way to work through emotions and channel one’s thoughts. Requiring only a few minutes daily can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Keeping a diary is also a great way to track your progress with goals and keep a historical record for the future. (Reading the entries from my childhood is quite entertaining!) You decide how much and how often to write. Here’s more information about seven daily habits to improve your mental health in 2023.
Gratitude Journals focus specifically on all the things you’re grateful for. The idea is to emphasize the positives in life, while regular diaries and journals can serve as sounding boards for grievances.
So, I’m starting my Morning Pages journal without any pressure. If it’s sloppy, that’s okay. If I miss a day, no sweat. It’s for my eyes only.
(But I’ll keep you posted.)
Thanks for being here…You make it all worthwhile!
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If you have a minute, please answer the poll (below).
The Resident House Panther goes hunting (also below).
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
“Did anyone ever read your private journal/diary, and what was the outcome?”
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As an indoor-only cat, his hunting is limited to the house. Here he quietly stalks some unsuspecting dust bunnies under the bed.
I will start journaling (again) on my upcoming birthday. I stopped a few years ago after leaving a 19-year toxic relationship. I stopped writing because there was nothing left to say.
I left my career of 40 years 2 weeks ago. It feels like it's time to start journaling again. Maybe it will help find a new path.
Good article!
Great post. I love that there are so many journalling options out there, and I've dabbled with many of them. Great recommendation for Jillian Hess's 'Noted' - I LOVE her posts!
In answer to your question: I don't think anybody's ever read my journal, although I have shared the odd entry to someone from time to time - always heavily curated and supervised!
Super cat pic! I love the term 'dust bunnies' - in German they're called 'Wollmäuse', which means 'wool mice'. Very cute.