"Randomly selected pieces" by Annalogue75 © 2023 via Creative Fabrica Spark™
I hear journaling is the best since sliced bread for mental health and overall emotional wellbeing. Ok, I should try it then. My therapist said it's a great idea, it pairs perfectly with working on my CBT¹ skills. Sure, I'll absolutely do it. I do have memories of writing in my diaries growing up, so it could be fun. Yes, there were quite a few diaries, I never kept it up for long and often restarted, always needing a new diary to write in. Now I know why...
To journal isn't much different than blogging, it's the audience that is the big difference. That's ok with me, I can have both. What media to use is all about personal comfort, I normally like electronic media better, but it's nice with pretty books to write in so I should get one, or a few... And pens plus pencils, love that idea!
Journalling is a structured activity that can be done at varius times and at different lengths, and there are no real guidelines, unless one follow a themed journalling book. I have a few of those now too, so I shouldn't get bored. It's just to sit down and write something - that's journaling. Easy, right?
With all this, I should do well in my journaling, shouldn't I? Nah... Well yes. Maybe. It depends on the definition of "doing well"...
By the way, one important thing to remember about us people with ADHD - we thrive with structure and routines, but we hates it... 😆
r/adhdmemes on Reddit.
There are apparently as many ways to journal as there are trees in a forest, but some makes more sense than others, depending on the individual.
For example, the guided journals are great if you want or need a clearly defined framework, and there are so many to choose from. I bet you can find guided journals specifically for any group or individual interest - the dog owners daily thought on a leash, commuters door to door notes, or, my favorite, journaling for dummies... Ok, I made those up - but I wouldn't be surprised if something similar is available out there!
I am more of a straight writer, but you could also add drawings, cutouts, memorabilia, or photos and pictures, that makes it a little bit more scrapbook like journalling perhaps. There are probably more ways to journal than I can think of...
The writing form is also something that can vary - I prefer to write to someone (like I do now), but to write to oneself, in third person, past tense, present form, as bullet points, in short hand, in text messaging form, or as a fictional story are all really great and useful options. There's no right or wrong, as long as one get that journal going. In the end you journal for yourself and sharing it is optional and a personal choice. I don't share everything with you, almost everything but not all. Surprised?
To me, the things all journalling seems to have in common are the aesthetics and the persistence - but what that means is a very individual matter. However, I think everyone can agree on that, besides readability, the visual form is particularly important, from an aesthetic standpoint as well as a source of joy and pride of one's work. Though a persistent writing habit is kind of necessary and the most important thing to keep it up and for it to exist at all. That's where my problem lies. I'm working on that...
I am continuing my journalling journey and I will notify you all if I find one way that is better than all the others. You can count on me..., I couldn't shut up about it even if I tried! LOL
/Annalogue75
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¹) CBT — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
