| Dear diary My first entry for 1991... Before me is a fresh new page. A fresh new book. A whole new year! Keeping a diary isn’t just for romantic teenage girls. I used to be one; 'I used to keep one. I’m no longer a teenager, but I’m still a romantic. . And I still keep a journal, A diary can record all of life’s precious moments. It can also record how we cope with life’s down side. A diary can be a therapeutic release when pressures threaten us, overwhelm us. When we have a diary, we always have ‘‘someone’”’ to talk to. And “‘someone”’ to provide feedback. A diary can record our growth in times of trial. A diary, or journal, is a daily record (usually written) of hap- penings, experiences, and thoughts, expressed in the writer’s own words, But a diary can be even more than that. It can represent a volume in your life story. It can be a scrap book filled with souvenirs as well as sayings. ee a Journaling Journaling is the act of writing spontaneously and unabashed- ly. How can you do that? First, you need something to write in. Hard cover books filled with blank pages are nice. A duo tang cover filled with loose leaf . paper, or a steno pad are practical. If you.are a person.of few words, then maybe a Ziggy date book? A journal can be a scrap book, filled with photos, pressed flowers, fortune cookie wis- doms, a quote or clipping of note, poems, jokes, a lock of some- one’s hair... along with your own special insights, observations, experiences, thoughts, and dreams. All recorded on lined or unlined paper, written in black, red, purple, green, or blue ink, in a plain or fancy format, whatever matches your personality. A journal is an expression of yourself. It’s a record of hopes and aspirations and resolutions, and perhaps a prayer or two. Journaling is more than just a letter to yourself. It’s also a — confrontation with yourself: reflecting on a problem, an emo- tional response, a habit you want to overcome. Journaling is the keeping of a journal. Your way. The Journal-ist To be a successful journalist, commit yourself to journaling as you would an exercise program. Set aside time at the beginning or end of the day to record those special events: the remarkable, the unbelievable, the laughable, the fantastic, the simple, the sublime... Ask yourself questions. Like—what is it that you would like to remember most about today? What made today special, unique? What funny thing happened? Say what you want, the way you choose to express it, in words, in drawings, in souvenirs taped to the page...Run off at the pen for pages unending, or scribble one word emphatically! Ramble, dream, brainstorm; be unreasonable, melodramatic, sober, sad; express delight, fantasy...Fill your journal with ideas and impressions, anecdotes and conversations, revelations and in- spirations and observations, resolutions and decisions... The simple act of recording your emotions and thoughts pro- vides you with a perspective somewhat separate from yourself, your inner self, You are able to stand back a bit and see yourself a little differently. To Journalize To Journalize is to set down a daily record. Of what— To Journalize is a way to express honestly and privately your most intimate, innermost secrets and wishes without exposure, ridicule, embarrassment, or harassment. It is a way to release pent-up and concealed emotions, In the pages of your journal fears, sorrows, longings...can be vented. But also aspirations, and a host of positive emotions as well. To journalize is a safe, non-threatening way to explore your in- ner life. It is a way to reveal and set down and expand on those dreams and ambitions, establish and record the plans and goals. Your journal is private, exclusively yours. It is sacrosanct! Write anything you wish. Any way you wish. Here you are free, Free to be you. a Awe - : . we . —_ ’ Terrace Review — Wednesday, January 2, 1991 B15 m And isn’t it nice to know. in your private journal spelling and punctuation don’t count! What counts is the thought. Abbrevi- ate,.use your own form of shorthand, leave out unimportant . words. Capture the essence of the thought while you have it. Develop a direct route from mind to pen. Ailow that stream to If you don’t know what’s going on, things go on " flow unimpeded on to paper. without you. Today’s Journal-ist, Tomorrow's Novelist? Through your journaling, you may surprise yourself. You may discover about yourself some interesting and valuable traits and read the abilities. Who knows where these revelations may lead! Keeping a journal is the first step in writing an autobiography. It could also mark ihe beginnings of a career in professional journalism or story writing—dreams recorded in your journal are the stuff stories are made of... : : Dear Diary, It was a dark and stormy night when I... Terrace Review L o Store Hours: Monday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Sunday: 12:00 noon - 5:00 p.m. aaa Master Card