5 Easy Ways To Start (And Keep) A Diary

Admit it, we've all tried keeping a diary and failed. Some of us possess the willpower necessary to faithfully write on paper (gasp!) with a pen/pencil, but the truth is, most of us don't. A diary helps improve your writing skills, and also helps with getting your emotions out. It also provides a way to look back at how the past was from your own point of view. Here are five ways to start and keep a diary.


1. Find a notebook you actually like.

Visit your local craft or office supply store and find a notebook or journal that you like. Look at different patterns, shapes, and sizes; maybe even the texture of the cover. Once you find something you actually like, you will be more motivated to write in it. Of course, you can do this online, but writing on paper has a different feel to it. You can also experiment with different pens and pencil colors to give your diary a unique touch.


2. Start writing!

Don't worry about writing with fancy language or grammar. Just put pen to paper and get your thoughts out. It's your diary, not a school report. No one is going to read it (unless you let them), and it's better when it's not perfect. Your day doesn't have to be particularly interesting at all! All you have to do is write about it. You can write about how boring it was, if you like. Over time, faithfully keeping a diary leads to much better writing skills and more self-awareness.


3. Have some adventures!

If you really don't know what to write, take a break! Do something you find enjoyable or interesting. Then write about it. It doesn't have to be something unique or important. Maybe take a walk, read a book, or start a new TV series. Go grocery shopping or walk the dog. It doesn't matter to anyone but you.


4. Listen to music. 

Music, especially classical music, can help you focus and get the creative juices flowing. Listen to a soothing, relaxing tune for best results, though any type of music works.


5. Develop a routine.

The best way to keep a diary is to develop a habit. If you have a nighttime routine that you follow, maybe add in five minutes of writing before bed. Keep your diary by your bed so you remember. You can also write in it every morning, if you like, but writing at night helps you organize the events of the day and remember various moments of the day that you will most likely forget the next day. If something exciting happens or you feel that you may forget something later, feel free to jot it down somewhere, even if it doesn't fit your routine. Most of all, be creative and have fun with it!

Novelties of 2015

Since 2015 began, there has been a lot of  novelty in my life. For example, I found out about this brand of water called Metro Mint. I don't usually buy water, but I tried this and I loved it! It's basically water with an infusion of mint and other flavors. The thing that makes this different is that it is infused with essences. No calories, no preservatives, no sweeteners. I believe all their flavors have mint, but some have other flavors added. I have tried peppermint and chocolate mint. Another flavored water brand I found out about was Hint. It's the same idea, except it doesn't have mint in every one. There is quite a selection of flavors, but so far the only one I have tried is watermelon. It is a bit on the expensive side.

I have also been using Duolingo, but that's not really new for 2015. I strongly recommend that you use it if you are trying to learn a new language. So far I believe they only have languages that somehow resemble English in writing, so they don't have languages like Chinese, Hindi, or Arabic. If you are proficient in a language other than English, you can become a contributor; you can help to create a course for people to learn English through another language. 

Sorry for not posting more often! I was recently selected for the Alameda County Science Fair, so I am busy preparing for that. I might not post very often now until March, but I will try my best. 

Congratulations to +Archa Dileep, +Rahul Verma, +Kavitha Vinod, Pranav Senthil Kumar, and Rohit Jammula for also making it to the fair!

Also, I have updated the My Writing page of my blog, and I have added a story under prose. Right now I'm calling it Sapna, but I'm think of calling it A Dream or something. Let me know how you liked it. 

DFTBA!

I ♥ Languages!

I love languages. I don't know why. I love learning about words and their histories. Somehow, I seem to be able to pick up languages very easily, but total immersion is hard unless you live in the right countries/regions. Living in the U.S., there are so many cultures around you, and so many opportunities. I feel that learning a language enables you to connect with people on their personal level, and it makes them feel special and respected, maybe even honored. The fact that you took the time to master something composed of tens of thousands of words, sounds, and vagaries different from what you are used to can mean a lot to people. There is also proof that learning languages has a positive impact on your brain. "Millions of people around the world acquire their second language later in life. Our study shows that bilingualism, even when acquired in adulthood, may benefit the ageing brain," says Dr Thomas Bak of the University of Edinburgh. The study is detailed here:

http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27634990 and here http://www.livescience.com/46048-learning-new-language-brain.html

Here's another link to check out: http://www.pnas.org/content/105/10/4004.full

I am currently fluent in English, Hindi, and Spanish, and I am learning French, Italian, and Chinese. I just started Italian and Chinese, so I'm not very good at them.

Also, in my previous post, I was a little pessimistic about my trip to Virginia, so I just wanted to say that it was an amazing trip. My whole family had so much fun, especially after visiting Virginia after eight years. Thank you to my family in Virginia for making our time there so enjoyable and for taking care of us so well, sick or not. We all love you so much!

And finally, I sign off with a Chuck and Beans comic.

A dog-rabbit duo to keep you company this Flu Year!

I keep coming up with ideas and ideas, but I never do anything. I actually have a sticky note on my desktop where I write down any blog post idea I come up with. But eventually I just end up doing some random last-minute post about nothing in particular. So, I'm sorry. For not posting since December 12. This sounds hilarious. Anyway, to the point.

Ever since I discovered a book of  Calvin and Hobbes comics my cousin was reading, I've always loved the unique nature of comics. Don't get me wrong, I've always loved to read, and I spend time on my laptop, too, but comics are actually pretty cool. They're not as long or time-consuming as books, they don't have much negative effect on your eyes*, and they express a simple, often humorous message through illustrations! Here is another comic I have read often without knowing it was actually a comic...if that makes any sense...

It's by shoeboxblog.com, and it's called Chuck and Beans. Below are some of my favorites.

Yup, that's me...unfortunately.

Also, this year started out a "Flu Year" for a reason. This Christmas, my family and I visited my cousins in Virginia. The trip was so much fun, and everyone was cheerful, until my mom suddenly fell sick with 102-degree fever. The day before our flight. For which we were supposed to leave for at around 6:30 A.M. So with a lot of difficulty, my family managed to change the flight to the evening. Then my dad also started feeling sick. By the time we all got home, my whole family was sick, and one of my cousins had extremely high fever. From that point on, everybody on the trip, except my aunt, had fever at least once. We came back on the 30th, and it was not until yesterday that we began feeling better. My mom told me it must have been the flu that we caught somewhere in D.C. Whatever it was—it's nine, my room is a mess, and it's a school night. So I sign off. Enjoy the comics, and of course, happy new year (better late than never)!

*compared to a computer/TV screen. Obviously if you read with dim light or in elaborate sitting/sleeping positions where the book isn't at the right distance from your face, then your eyes won't be happy.