Writing equipment

There is an expectation that journals should start on 1st January, however there is no reason why you can’t start on any day of the year. Here are some ideas on starting you journal if you’ve just missed the beginning of January, although they could be adapted for any time of year.

Photo by retro traveller

1. Use a page a day diary and use the first few pages to write information you may not include otherwise e.g. description of current situation such as where you live, your job, list of what you want to achieve this year, description of the people who may make an appearance, or create an index so you can easily refer to key events / emotions in the future
2. Use a page a day diary and ignore the first few pages, there is no reason why they should be filled in just because they’ve been printed
3. Use an undated page a day diary, these are hard to find, but do exist in UK and USA
   

   Photo taken by petit hiboux

4. Use a normal notebook, you could still use one page a day or just let yourself write as much as you want each day without being limited by the end of the page
5. Use word processor so you can create your own structure
6. Stick in a photograph taken on each missed day
7. Use journalling software such as Lifejournal
8. Use a 5 year journal and loop around each year; so you start this year on today’s date and continue using the 1st row for January next year and when you catch up move on to the second row
   

   Photo taken by atibens

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So its the 1st January and you are thinking of starting a journal, but you don’t know where to begin. It is important to remember that there is not one way of journalling, the only correct way is whatever works for you. Here are a few ideas that will hopefully motivate you to get started

• Consider what type of journal you want to keep
• Think about how you will be keeping your journal as it dictate both the collection type and size, for instance if you want keep a mediation journal on your commute home using an audio recorder maybe most appropriate, but if you want to keep a gratitude journal as events occur a small notebook you can keep in a pocket or handbag maybe better suited
• Always date an entry and consider including the time and location as they will provide reference details when you review your journals later
• If you live with other people you maybe worried they will read your journal, there are several options you can try to stop them; tell them you do not want them to read your journal, keep it at a different location e.g. work, lock it away, encrypt it on a computer, write in code, write a joint journal or suggest they keep a journal as well so they understand the desire for privacy
• Write as quickly as you can and do not worry about whether you are writing correctly
• Write honestly, do not lie to yourself in your own personal journal

Of course, if you are writing a journal one of the problems with starting is dealing with that blank first page. It can look frightening, but instead think of it as the doorway to an exciting record of your life. Here are some ideas to help you start (you can fine more here).  ... Read more 435 words, 1 image

Having a new notebook is a fantastic feeling, its so exciting to think of the potential of the notebook, the things you could right. That is until you open it to the first blank page. Of course, it is no different to any other page in the book, but for some reason the first page can feel daunting. If this happens to you, here are some ideas on what to do with the first page:

1. Copy in a headline from today’s news
2. Write a list of wishes
3. Leave it blank
4. Write a list of things you are grateful for
5. Stick in a photograph or picture of yourself
   

   Photograph by cone_dmn

6. Explain the notebook theme and why you chose it
7. Complete a questionnaire about yourself e.g. weight, height, where you live
8. Explain the people who you may mention in the book e.g. family tree, groups by association like work,  list any abbreviations you use to refer to people such as initials
9. Contact details (just in case you leave it somewhere)
10. Write a prayer, mediation or affirmation, something that describes your current spiritual outlook
11. Leave it blank so you can add a review or synopsis of the notebook once you’ve filled it
12. Stick in a year summary calendar (potentially useful if you use a blank notebook instead of a dated one)
13. Stick in a favourite picture
14. Keep a store of useful information e.g. frequently used telephone numbers
15. Write a summary of your goals or your mission statement
16. Explain how you got the notebook e.g. gift from friend, bought on holiday
17. Keep a list e.g. books read, countries visited
18. Write a greeting to the book, possibly including an agreement about when, where and how you’ll use it
 ... Read more 361 words, 1 image