During elementary and middle school, I always enjoyed the concept of keeping a diary – the kind that detailed school gossip and kept a list of who likes who. The intrigue quickly fell away though, and spending time to write every week became a chore. It wasn't until high school that I returned to journaling out of desire to keep record of my favorite memories. Here's how I maintain my journal:
Don't set a schedule to write
Although diaries and journals are often characterized as daily activities, not everyone succeeds with structured schedules. Weeks and months may pass between entries, but I still accomplish the goal of greater mindfulness whenever I choose to write. If a lot of time has passed between my last entry, I often catch up with old memories and maintain the ones that are most important. You don't have an obligation to write every day and a journal is not intended to add stress or another responsibility to your week.
Collect and paste mementos/pictures
I've always been the person to collect ticket stubs, flyers, programs, and photos from special events. In order to organize and preserve these, paste them into a journal and write a short summary or story about them. These features make a journal interactive and more inclusive of a memory!
Write when you're upset
Next time a friend sends a passive-aggressive text, open your journal and act out the argument. Working through the initial anger leaves you in a mindset ready for reconciliation. Ability to articulate the problem practices the communication skills needed to foster a peaceful solution. The exercise also captures one major purpose of journaling: mindfulness and self-actualization.
Do more than write
If personal writing makes you feel insecure, try creating art, doodling, or simply jotting down a quote or joke you heard during the day. One of my friends carries an unlined notebook with her and asks friends and people she meets to draw or write something small every day.