Benefits of a Journal
There are no rules on using a journal—it is a receptacle for writing, drawing, sketching, or documenting whatever you desire. It is a private, confidential place to discuss thoughts, concerns, doodles, ideas, goals, or events. Perhaps you will discover that journaling helps bring clarity to confusing feelings/situations and reduces general anxiety. Journaling can help take all of the things jumbled together in your mind and put them into a healthy perspective.
Journaling also allows you to unleash creativity and imagination
- Consider journaling as relaxation and de-stressing time.
- Use a simple composition book or spiral notebook as a journal—it does not need to be expensive or elaborate.
- Make notes about funny conversations, daily observations, recipes, favorite singers or people, or write out to-do lists.
- Even if you only write three words or glue down a clipping, using your journal on a regular basis can engender peace of mind.
As a starting point, experiment with using prompts
- What is your dream vehicle?
- What happened to you today?
- Do you have a spirit animal—an animal, bird, or reptile that you strongly relate to?
- Draw yourself as a warrior, adventurer, or celebrity
- What are you thankful for this week?
- What would you do if you were not afraid?
- What does it say on your personalized license plate? or billboard?
- What have you learned today?
- What is the best thing that someone has done for you? Why was it important to you?
- Whom do you admire the most? Why?
- If you could vacation anywhere in the universe, where would you go?
- If you could go back in time, what era or location would you choose?
- What inspires you?
- What is your favorite book? song? poem? riddle? meal? place? game?
- List five accomplishments that you are most proud of achieving
- Create Your Own Journalby Jane Reiter, DU Librarian, December 2020.
Words to Include in Your Journal
Write down your thoughts about selected words— or cut them out and glue them down on your pages.
Words To Use
- Arrange
- Focus
- Thoughtful
- Flair
- Unique
- Non-Judgemental
- Effort
- Special
- Spontaneous
- Amusing
- Tranquility
- Energetic
- Persistence
- Calm
- Understanding
- Resilience
- Growing
- Successful
- Humor
- Compassion
- Enthusiasm
- Grief
- Empathy
- Hope
- Playfulness
- Grace
- Strong
- Inspiration
- Risk-Taking
- Perspective
- Love
- Mindfulness
- Relax
- Sensitive
- Passion
- Wish
- Generous
- Confidence
- Reflection
- Daring
- Joy
- Funny
- Encouragement
- Delight
- Curious
- Motivation
- Word to Use for Journalingby Jane Reiter, DU Librarian, December 2020.