"IF MY ONLY TOOL IS A HAMMER,
THEN EVERY PROBLEM IS A NAIL."
-- SHOLEM ASCH
HANDLE ALL LIFE SITUATIONS.
EXPAND RESILIENCE AND
SELF-RELIANCE
Article for reprint:
Ready to explore journaling but not sure how to get started? Here are some
guidelines to get you on your way.
The type of journal you use should reflect your own needs, preferences and
style. There are lots of choices. To begin, do you want to write on paper or
type into a computer?
Computer journaling differs from paper journaling in significant ways but both
are acceptable. Writing is a more natural form of expression that we've used for
generations. The form of our freehand script can both bring out and show
emotion. It can be interesting to watch how our script changes as our topics and
emotional involvement shift. Writing offers more opportunities for graphics,
colours, spaces and artwork.
Typing, on the other hand, is more mechanical, linear and standardized. Fonts
don't convey our unique style of expression or emotion, although for some of us
at least, they are much more legible! Typed words don't reflect emotion except
in what is written, and it's more difficult to use colour and different sizes,
shapes and patterns.
On the positive side, skilled typists can transfer their thoughts onto the
screen much more quickly than they can write manually. With typing, we use both
hands, which means we are accessing both hemispheres of the brain. And
computers, particularly with good journaling software, allow us to more easily
search for, categorize and change our entries.
Personally, we notice a higher quantity and quality of creativity when we
journal by freehand writing rather than typing on a keypad. Explore for yourself
which form suits you best.
If you choose to journal on a computer, you can use a standard word processing
program or you may want to purchase software specifically designed for
journaling. Personally, we can recommend Life Journal.
If you choose a paper-based journal, here are 3 popular ways to set up your
journal:
Calendar - add you own calendar system here to write down your commitments and appointments. We recommend a commercially available week-at-a-glance calendar.
Chronolog - This is where you record your reactive chaos, in
chronological order as it happens. It is a real time, running 'to do' list and
audit trail. We highly recommend using a
ONElog sheet.
Print it on both sides of a page and start to create structure out of chaos.
This section could also contain your
Focus/Hot List Page that links short term action items with longer term,
important, big picture items.
Journal - When you get time for reflection, write whatever you want in this section. Explore and play with our wide selection of journaling tools.
Custom Sections - Create your own tabs for special projects, sections or journals that are important to you. Explore our list of types of journals.
The beauty of journaling is that there really aren't any rules. Choose what suits you best and get going!
John and Patrice Robson
Higher Awareness (https://www.higherawareness.com)
Know yourself and Grow yourself with Higher Awareness.
4 FREE Journaling Tools for developing mind power, creativity and intuition.
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Check out over 50 other Journal Writing Prompts, Topics, Exercises and Resources.