What to write, privacy and books about journalling
4. How do I get started?
It's not unusual to feel intimidated by a blank page, so jumpstart yourself with a question.
Zimmerman's books make good use of questions as a means of starting a journal entry. "Most of the time, I don't even know what the answers are, but I know the importance of posing questions."
Or doodle until words start to flow.
Stress and wellness expert Beverly Beuerman-King recommends journalling as quickly as you can, without stopping to self-edit for content, spelling or grammar.
If you find yourself becoming overly upset while journalling, take a break from it or change the subject. While you might be overwhelmed with emotion at the time of writing, feelings of sadness or depression usually dissipate in a few hours.
5. How can I protect my privacy when journalling?
Keep your journal in a safe place. Let your loved ones know that your journal is private and off-limits to curious eyes. Consider writing "Please do not read me" across the front. If you feel that your innermost thoughts and feelings won't be safe from the people around you, you may consider journalling on the computer and password-protecting your journal.
6. Is it a good idea to share my journal?
If you're writing about your most private feelings, you need to be completely honest. Sharing these thoughts and feelings with others will almost inevitably change the way you record them.
"A journal should be a safe place to download your stress and make it possible for you to get to the heart of your own wisdom," says Kominars. Think long and hard before sharing your journal with anyone.
How do I keep motivated to journal?
It's easy to make a resolution to journal, but it's sometimes difficult to devote the time to maintaining a journal. Beuerman-King suggests three steps to foster the habit of journal writing:
-Decide what the focus of the journal is
-Decide on the medium (paper, computer) you'll use -- if you set up your journal on your computer, make sure it's easy to find
-Set up a specific time to write
Happy journalling!
Suggested reading
Doodles & Daydreams: Your Passport for Becoming an Escape Artist by Bill Zimmerman
Writing to Heal: A Guided Journal for Recovering from Trauma and Emotional Upheaval by James W. Pennebaker
Write For Life: Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit Through Journal Writing by Dr. Sheppard Kominars
Writing as a Way of Healing: How Telling Our Stories Transforms Our Lives by Louise A. DeSalvo
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