The content in this journaling series is from what I shared with my recent in-person journaling class. My original idea was to try and create an online class, but ultimately decided to create a blog series in which to freely share this information.

Last week in this series, I talked about Why Journaling is Important? This week let’s talk about what journaling is and is not. Let’s also get rid of some preconceived ideas and stereotypes about journaling and understand how powerful a tool it can be for every person of any age.

What is Journaling?

• Is first and foremost an expression of the Self
• A form of self-expression that works best if it comes directly from the heart (don’t lie, don’t be in denial, just let it all out)
• Is a written record of thoughts, experience, and observations
• It can be something you do regularly or just when you feel you need it
• There are no rules to journaling, expect for the ones you make yourself (if you decide to make any at all)
• You are in charge of what you write or don’t write and when you write

What Journaling is NOT.

• Something you HAVE to do (so don’t stress over journaling if it’s not something that speaks to you, or you only journal every once in awhile)
• A place where you need to worry about proper grammar, spelling, or punctuation
• Journaling is NOT just writing, it can include paintings, drawings, pictures, stickers or keepsakes that have meaning (like ticket stubs for a dried flower, ect.)

This sounds easy enough, and usually it is, but I think journaling can have a bad stigma because it might seem to only be for “girls” or something that can be considered boring because no one thinks their life is interesting enough to talk about. I say not at all to both these things. Journaling is for EVERYONE of all ages. It can be very fun too. It all depends on how it’s approached. What kind of journal you keep matters too. What might work for one person, may not be as effective for another.

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