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!
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!
No comments:
Post a Comment