Your Journal and
Your Journey

Journal writing ideas are building blocks for your life story

You will find great resources here: journal writing software, leather bound journals, online journaling and more!

It’s a mistaken idea to think you have to be a gifted writer to keep a journal. Anyone can write short entries. It is so important to do this. Over time, our recall may fail us. Memories fade.

Keeping a journal or diary is a great way to chronicle events in your life. You will record not only the things that are happening, but also your thoughts about them. This allows you to sort out your feelings. Anyone who has kept a journal will attest to the benefit. It helps you grow. That inner part of you is on a spiritual journey and you need to spend time contemplating the lessons learned from daily living. Research attests to the importance of reflective thinking (Google search results here) and it is often encouraged for both students and teachers. A journal is an ideal way to do this.

***Note: An example of the power of a personal journal that has had a great impact on others is the Diary of Anne Frank. You can view an excellent presentation about her diary at the web site for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum — highly recommended!

If at some point you plan to tell your life story a journal will be invaluable. It helps you get to the heart of your story

What you write in your journal is entirely up to you. It will vary from person to person. Some people keep it light. Some people write about deep matters of the heart. We all talk to ourselves. In essence, a journal is writing down that inner dialogue. 

Your journal writing will also develop you as a witer.  Think of is as your writing laboratory.  You can try different things and different writing techniques. Don't worry about being "graded".  No one needs to ever see your journal writing...unless you want them to.

Here are some suggestions that can make writing your journal a more meaningful experience:

• Write about the “journey” of your life. What is happening in your work, family and in the world around you and how does it make you feel?


• The things that are bothering you the most are great to journal about. It helps you get in touch your feelings and to clarify. Use your journal as a “sounding board”. Let it connect you to the message from your heart.


• You should also write about the joy and accomplishments in your life. Life has hills and valleys for us all. Don’t let it be all one-sided.


• Always write about the significant people in your life. You want to record your thoughts on the birth of your children, your parent’s 50th wedding anniversary, the kids going to college or into the military, the passing on of loved ones. At times this may be difficult, but if you honestly write down these thoughts you will cherish them down the road.

Check out the article, the Journey of Journaling and Journal Writing Reflection for some personal insight on keeping a journal.

The Journal
This is an extensive site about the power of personal and professional journaling. It features The Journal software developed by DavidRMSoftware. There are some wonderful features and is very user friendly. Get an Up-Close look here.

Leather Journals
Handsome leather journals are wonderful for those who like the feel of their journal to help inspire their feelings. Plus, using the "tried and true" method of a paper journal might stimulate insight and, of course, you can take it anywhere. See more at Executive Pens Direct (where you can also find some very nice writing instruments - here).

Pyxlin'
This is an online journaling site from Family Learn.  Here's a great way to keep your journal online, but also easily have it typeset and printed.

The Elemental Press
Custom made journals that you can personalize with a cover photograph. Lissa Ann Forbes is a writer and personal historian and her site also offers services such as workshops, tribute books, laminated bookmarks and speaking engagements.


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