We've all said we would start a journal at some point in our life, but honestly, how many people have actually started a daily journal and stuck with it? I'm guessing the number is pretty darn low. Unfortunately, I fall in the category of the people who have abandoned every single journal they have ever started after two weeks, but that all changed when I began my study abroad experience. I realized there are simply too many fascinating sites and new experiences jam-packed into each day to risk not being able to remember some of the details later on in life. With this in mind, I started a brand new journal to record every little detail I can possibly remember. It hasn't always been easy to keep up with it, but I found 5 ways that seem to keep my journaling motivation up!
1. Write in it every single day.
Sounds easy, right? Taking 10 minutes out of each day right before bed seems simple, but it's definitely easier said than done. What works the best for me is having my journal in plain sight when I walk into my room so I can remember to crack it open each day. If that doesn't work, try setting a phone alarm. The most important thing about journaling is having the information fresh in your head, so stop whatever you're doing just for 10 little minutes just to jot down some of your favorite events of the day!
*However, I would most definitely be lying if I said that I have been able to keep up with my journal every single day, but hey, there's always room for improvement!
2. Be detailed.
Don't just say, "I went to the park today, it was fun." Which park? Describe the people, the trees, the dogs, the sounds. Why do you love to go to this place so much? How does the park make you feel? You'll thank yourself 10 years down the road for recording so many details; you'll be able to relive your experiences over and over again.
3. Get creative.
Although I have no artistic ability whatsoever, my journal is filled with little doodles. No matter how bad it is, your drawings will always be able to put a smile on your face. It gets the job done- you're sure to remember a particular event whether you can draw a realistic human being or a stick figure.
4. Switch it up.
If you're comfortable just writing a page of whatever comes to your mind, go for it. For me, the routine of constantly having to fill a page can sometimes wear down my motivation to journal every day. If you feel yourself dreading writing in your journal, try a poem or look up a writing exercise to get your mind working a little differently! Keeping it fun will make you excited to journal each day.
5. Nothing is off limits.
Remember, this is YOUR journal. No one else will see it unless you show them, so don't be afraid to write your honest thoughts. Spot a cute boy? Jot it down, but don't forget to go into detail about how his smile made you simply melt. In all seriousness, a journal can be a therapeutic way to keep your thoughts from bottling up.
No matter how good, bad, or ugly your journal is, you'll appreciate the fact that you took the time to remember your favorite parts of each day when you're older.
