The Tradition of Journaling
"The past is only the present become invisible and mute; and because it is invisible and mute its memories, glances and its murmurs are infinitely precious. We are tomorrow's past. Mary Webb 1881-1927 British Author ~Mary Webb Keeping a journal is nothing new to millions of girls who have written in little books with small locks that only they can open. Some girls only do this for a short time when the emotions and changes of growing up overwhelm them, others continue the tradition for their entire lives. I find in speaking with other women that they are often intimidated by the idea of writing down their thoughts in a journal. Many feel their emotions and experiences aren't interesting, and others don't know quite how to start the process. We need to think of keeping a journal as a way to record our thoughts and feelings at certain points in our lives. It may be on a daily basis, or it may be when something significant happens in our lives. Use what means you are comfortable with to express yourself. Here are some suggestions for non-traditional journals: *Each time you see a quote, cartoon, small article or picture that reaches out to you and where you are in your life, paste it in a notebook with a comment and the date. *Sketch the things you see around you. Buy a small sketch pad that you can keep with you at all times. Draw flowers, birds, leaves or anything that draws your eye and touches you. Be sure to date each sketch and make comments on your thoughts if you wish. *Keep a notebook that is similar to an organizer. Each night before you go to bed make a list of what you wish to accomplish the next day. Date it at the top of the page; be sure to include everything, especially personal goals. Once you have begun this, make notations at the bottom of the list as to why you didn't get something accomplished, or your feelings on what you did get done. This is a good way for "list" people to keep a journal! These are simple ideas for journals. The key here is to record your emotions, goals, accomplishments and personal growth throughout your life. As the years go by you will be able to recognize patterns, good and bad, so that you can learn from your mistakes and appreciate who you are as a person. Your choice of notebooks? Believe it or not, an empty page can be intimidating. You need to be comfortable not only with the type of journal you keep, but the form. Some women love to write in an elegant blank journal with a beautiful pen used only for recording their thoughts. Others, like myself, feel comfortable with plain school notebooks and a sharpened pencil. Whatever you decide to use in recording your life's moments, make sure it fits your personality. It should be comfortable like a worn, favorite sweatshirt that you love or a book you have treasured since childhood.Your emotions and expectations, as well as your accomplishments ARE important. Whatever place you are in your life, a journal can help you to define who you are, and where you are heading. Don't miss out on this opportunity.
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