Journaling means so many different things to different people. To some, it is simply a log of what we do with our lives; what is usually thought of as a diary. To others, journaling is a longer-form method of writing our thoughts, feelings, reactions, etc. It is used as actual therapy for some. To others, a “journal” is really what is usually thought of as a “notebook” with not only formal entries, but lists of books that need to be read, movies to watch, things to pick up at the store, etc.
For me, I suppose I keep all three – but all in a different format. When I refer to my “journal” I am usually talking about my long-form entries that are personal and for me, something I use to think through the deeper things of life. I keep a month-at-a-glance type of planner for my “diary,” which is where I write down what I did on a particular day, and rarely in complete sentences. Finally, I almost always have my Moleskine Cahier in my back pocket for listmaking, random thoughts, favorite quotes I read or pick up from others, rough sketches for project planning – a little of everything. What does a “journal” mean to you? What method do you use? It’s always interesting to learn of others journaling ideas and techniques.
