Journaling

Velvet Lounger · Feb 23, 2019 at 11:12 AM

Firstly, every day I do a timed 5 minute writing exercise. I don't stop to make grammatical or spelling corrections. I will choose a subject; it can be anything, really. Doing this frees up the mind as I write freely and non-stop. It also is a good tool to use for writer's block because I can refer to previous days and usually find a subject to start me up again.

Journalling is a bit different, though positive. Looking back, I see how far I have come, and, in a good way. My daughter has started journalling.She is doing very well.

There is something very special in setting pen to paper. Or writing in pencil, particularly a handsome writing implement that has a built-in sharpener and eraser, so known as 'Perfect Pencil'. Using a 2B pencil, the graphite is a nice solid black, runs as smooth as silk, and once one's thoughts are down on paper, then I can close my journal and tackle the day in hand.

DazedandConfused254 · Feb 26, 2019 at 04:24 PM

I think it is imperative to learn journaling, and could be extremely useful in venting frustrations that you wouldn't be comfortable sharing in polite company. Do you relate to the common struggle with a billion thoughts in your mind hindering your feelings to be identified aloud? Maybe journaling can also do the deed.

In my personal experience it was something I did when I was younger but picked it up again with increasing daily stressors necessitating journaling my thoughts, especially since I spend quite a bit of time alone and am sensitive about people overreacting or the possibility of people abandoning me in my most vulnerable moments. I'll go overboard when complaining about difficult people or circumstances, so those pages will go out once I'm past the moment, but for the most part, I take a look at myself now and myself journaling and see growth!

Feb 26, 2019 at 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DazedandConfused254

I think it is imperative to learn journaling, and could be extremely useful in venting frustrations that you wouldn't be comfortable sharing in polite company. Do you relate to the common struggle with a billion thoughts in your mind hindering your feelings to be identified aloud?

Thank you for your input, DazedandConfused.

I think journaling is a risk-free way to vent your frustrations. You don't need to worry about anyone judging you; or saying something to someone that you will regret later (since you can never take back those words).

I've made the mistake of replying to emails and texts when I was emotionally overwhelmed and my mind was not very clear. Journaling helps me to process my thoughts and come up with a better response. Pens and notepads are essential parts of my wellness routine

Anatta · Feb 27, 2019 at 07:09 AM

Journaling is conversing with yourself.

I journal when I am highly confused. Seldom do I reread my entries.

It is helpful to spill your mind as ink on the page.

DazedandConfused254 · Feb 28, 2019 at 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ennie

Thank you for your input, DazedandConfused.

I think journaling is a risk-free way to vent your frustrations. You don't need to worry about anyone judging you; or saying something to someone that you will regret later (since you can never take back those words).

I've made the mistake of replying to emails and texts when I was emotionally overwhelmed and my mind was not very clear. Journaling helps me to process my thoughts and come up with a better response. Pens and notepads are essential parts of my wellness routine

You're so welcome @ennie. I couldn't have said that any better myself. As you have said, even our support groups we may have formulated over time can give out when they impose expectations on our character, or misinterpret our intentions. I think all of us are guilty of squeezing too much onto our plate at some point or another, even when we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired (that HALT acronym). Thankfully the paper is a fresh start and lacks the capacity to abandon/judge you (at least until you have to get a new journal

)!

Calypso2632 · Mar 09, 2019 at 04:44 AM

I've been journaling on a regular basis since I was a young teenager. Probably as young as 13. I'm pretty sure I have that tiny, mini book here somewhere. I've kept all of them, tho I don't really go through them. It's soothing to get my thoughts out on paper, out of my head. It's also nice to pick out cute or unique journals, and different pens to write with. I just wrote my first entry in a brand new journal the other day. It's green with an owl and my boyfriend ordered me a pack of cute fine tip pens off Amazon 8 I think, each a different color. So I can change up my entries with how I'm feeling. Sometimes I sketch a little or doodle if I get off track. But I find the act of writing very cathartic.

TishaBuv · Mar 09, 2019 at 05:34 AM

I kept a diary as a teen. I enjoyed making the daily summary. It was mostly about my escapades with my friends and my crushes and adventures with boys. It was light hearted and funny; not filled with sadness or worry. When it was full, I threw it in the dumpster. I threw away practically everything I ever wrote. I felt it could be ‘incriminating’, should it fall into the wrong hands (not literally criminal in any way, though).

I’ve really regurgitated plenty of thoughts in my over 6000 posts here. Yet this is also different from journaling and from a diary.

Mar 10, 2019 at 02:20 PM

Yes I do journal. I write different types. When I need to get something out, want to connect w myself, and write my gratitude.

randomer123 · Mar 11, 2019 at 01:02 PM

I write things down to "get them out" and it helps me to work things out. It's more of a brain drain than a journal, and I just write it in a notebook then rip it up and throw away afterwards. No need to keep it, and I'm worried about someone reading it.

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Anonymous49426 Guest Posts: n/a	Mar 10, 2019 at 02:20 PM #28 Yes I do journal. I write different types. When I need to get something out, want to connect w myself, and write my gratitude.
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randomer123 Grand Member Member Since Aug 2018 Location: Nowhere Posts: 838 5 4 hugs given	Mar 11, 2019 at 01:02 PM #29 I write things down to "get them out" and it helps me to work things out. It's more of a brain drain than a journal, and I just write it in a notebook then rip it up and throw away afterwards. No need to keep it, and I'm worried about someone reading it.
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