How do You Develop a Daily Writing Habit? Try Journaling!
Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 5:00AM
Journaling is one of the best ways to develop a daily habit of writing. Journaling can have positive impact on your life now and for reflection in the future. It is a good way to look back at your life and see how you have grown emotionally. You can reflect on the blessings and challenges that life has thrown in your path.
I journal almost daily and it has had an amazing impact on my stress level. By writing my fears, hopes and gratitudes, I gain a better perspective on my life. Expressing my thoughts on paper, allows me to uncover my deepest feelings. When I begin writing I can feel myself relax and soon the challenges seem smaller. Sometimes I cry the entire time I write and other times I laugh. Whatever emotion journaling evokes, you will feel a sense of wellbeing when you are finished.
We recently had a comment from one of our readers that she never intended to write a book, but her daily habit of journaling evolved into a book. I have several little books that will result from my journal. They may ultimately not be for the public, but they will be in a book format.
If you have trouble thinking of topics to write in your journal you should check out The Reflective Writer. Judy Stone-Goldman always writes a reflective post and then gives a writing prompt. I often use her prompts to get me started.
What do you write in your journal?
What writing prompts do you use?
What tips would you have for someone that is just beginning to journal?
What benefits have you seen from journaling?
Reader Comments (6)
Documentation is a good thing, but one needs to be picky, or the tons of pure data may turn out to be overwhelming.
Will this be used in any of your stories? May it be used? Or is it merely a fairly interesting thought?
Things like that. Eventually one learns pickiness, to filter documentation. Your stories will still contain an abundance of fertility.
Julia - Journaling is one of the constants of my life. If I miss too many days I start to feel uneasy--not myself. Thank you so much for the plug for my site!
Judy Stone-Goldman
The Reflective Writer
Hello there Julia, I have just come by to say g'day from one Secret Santa to another. And to say that I am an avid journal writer with a strong focus on gratitude and developing my compassion and love. My journal work is like the gentle breeze that fans the flames of my inner fire. Without it, the fire can die down.
But for now, from an SS in Australia, I wish you a fabulous and fun filled weekend:)
Amos
I agree what you document can be overwhelming if you are weeding through it to compile a book. I dont think all journaling should end up being in a book. I keep my journal on the computer so it is easy for me to categorize my ramblings.
I looked at your site. Since you are a fiction author you probably document many unrelated thoughts. How do you filter your thoughts? Do you keep a separate journal?
Judy
Your site always inspires me to write something. During the Blog Challenge I learned that writing daily was necessary for me. It seems the more I write the easier it gets. Of course most of it is not blog material.
Brenda
I love my Australian friends! I have meet so many wonderful people through blogging.
I write about many topics in my journal but I always start with my gratitudes. Sometimes that is all that needs to be said.
Thanks for stopping by