Journal! Keep track of your life.

Photograph by Marshall Reese Copyright 2008

 Many people journal for a variety of reasons. Creating a journal can be fun. You make your own rules for your own journal writing.

If you don’t know what to write you can brainstorm. Place one word in the middle of the page and then draw a line from the original word and write what comes to mind. Do this several times from the original word or from the new words you are placing on the paper. The page will look messy, but you will have mountains of information about yourself.

Another idea is to write a letter to yourself every night.

Or write a letter to somebody you love in your journal. An example of this is to write to a beloved grandmother who, in this example, has passed away.

You make the rules! You are the master of your journal!

Try to get as many FEELING words as you can down on the paper.

Be creative.

After a while, your journal will be a tool for measuring your successes. Right there on the pages is the progression of your life.  Use the information from your journal to gain insight about yourself.

Patterns may emerge. You may want to change some of your behavior. Write how you feel about such behavior. Make a goal, and a plan, and then put your plan into action. Measure your success daily.

You do not need a fancy or an expensive journal. You can pick up a bound tablet of paper at the dollar store to get started. Use your favorite color of ink too.

Place your journal in a safe place for privacy. If someone reads your journal without your permisssion; this person shows he or she has no boundaries, and has no respect for you or your privacy. Stand strong, set limits, and take your journal back!

Sometimes when life is happening fast write down key points to get back to later.

Enjoy getting to know yourself through your words, drawings, symbols, or what ever you choose to use.

Have fun!

Tags: journal, track your life