How I did it: Keeping a journal shouldn't be a chore. At times I got obsessive about it, not liking what I wrote and getting angry with myself if I didn't write often enough or if I wrote too much. Over time I've learned that it's important for a journal to be something that takes a candid snapshot of your life on any given day, something you write in when you're upset, inspired, depressed, elated, excited -- it should show the whole range of your being from days when you're extremely bored, to the days that define you. I just write how I feel, and often the lack of an entry can speak volumes as well when I look back upon past journals. Journaling isn't defined by anyone - let your journal have a mind of its own.

Lessons & tips:

• Only write when you have something to say - even if it's just "I am SO BORED by this class" or "My boyfriend is such a jerk." Often the times you think you have nothing to write about can end up being the most interesting entries!
  
• Don't get tied down by the rules you've made for yourself like, "I can't miss a day," or "I have to write a full page each time". Pick up a simple notebook and just run with it!
  
• Don't be afraid to make drawings, write poems, songs, lists; talk about your dreams, the future, the past. However you're feeling, let it leak out onto the page.

Resources:

• Moleskine journals
  
• get yourself a really nice pen you'll want to write with!

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Jan 11, 2009, 07:58AM PST | 1 comment | 25 cheers