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Journaling Tips
Author: Alyice Edrich
Journaling has no set rules, but these quick tips can help make your journaling efforts more meaningful.
Journal in a format that works best for you.
For some people writing in a word document helps the words to flow more smoothly. For others, writing in a lined, spiral bound notebook works best. And for others, using a calligraphy pen and writing in an eloquent journal with blank pages works best.Journal when the mood arises.
Don’t try to write something every day, rather write something when your heart tells you it’s time to work out a feeling or record a memory. (An exception to this tip is if you’re experiencing a really bad case of depression. In this case, start a “Gratitude” journal and end each day by writing about one thing that made you smile or feel good.)Always put the date at the top of your journal entry.
Include entry dates incase you decide to hold onto your journal and want to see how you’ve progressed over the weeks, months, or years.Don’t worry about spelling.
You’re not writing to have your thoughts published in the local newspaper or national magazine. You’re writing to feel better, so don’t worry if you don’t know how to spell a word, sound it out and write it best you can.Don’t worry about punctuation or grammar.
Again, you’re writing for personal use, not for publication or to win an award. Worrying about grammar and punctuation will cause your flow of thoughts to cease.Finish your thought.
It doesn’t matter if your thought takes one sentence or twelve pages, finish what you start.Include extras in your journal.
Extras could be doodles, full-colored sketches, poetry, words to your favorite songs or scripture verses, prayers, photographs, and cut-outs from newspapers, magazines, and cards.
The most important thing to remember when journaling through your grief is that there are no right or wrong thoughts, there are only feelings and unless you openly and honestly deal with your feelings, you won’t be able to move past the pain of losing your loved one and onto healing.
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