|
Keeping a journal can be a good way to learn about your thoughts and feelings. It’s not always easy. Writing about your feelings can be painful. But, writing a journal is a great self-help tool.
To help you get started, here are some tips and a sample journal entry:
Tips for keeping a journal
- Don’t just write about events and happenings. Focus on your thoughts and feelings about those events.
- Write for yourself. This forces you to be honest. (At some point, though, you may want to share the journal with someone. This could be a counselor, a trusted friend, or family member who can give you feedback.)
- Set the stage for writing. Find a comfortable spot, take a deep breath, and begin. Write for 20 minutes without stopping.
- Try to write every day. It may help to write at the same time each day, maybe after dinner or before bed.
- Remember that the way you write doesn’t matter. You don’t have to use complete sentences or watch your spelling.
- Buy a journal you’ll like to use, perhaps with pictures or colored pages. Use colored pens or pencils if you want to be creative.
- If you really don’t like to write, record your thoughts on a cassette recorder.
Sample entry
“I nearly didn’t get out of bed today. The only thing that worked was thinking that I would get fired if I didn’t go to work. Some days, no matter how hard I try, I can’t seem to do anything right and no one understands how I feel. I just feel very tired. Tired to the bone.”
Also of Interest
|
