Introduction

The word diary comes from the French “jour” which means day. Writing a diary every day is like having a visit with your best friend, you.
This ancient practice dates back to the 10th century in Japan. Successful people throughout history have kept journals.

Keeping a journal has a positive impact on your well-being. James Pennebaker, a researcher, claims that writing strengthens the immune system and reduces the symptoms of asthma and arthritis. He also claims that writing about stressful things helps you cope with them and thus reduces stress in your life.
Journaling is an opportunity to explore ideas in an unstructured environment.

Christina Baldwin:
“Writing a diary is a journey within.”

Who should write a diary?

1. Anyone who aspires to write
2. Anyone who wants to capture feelings and points of view.
3. Anyone who wants to heal the mind and body.
4. Anyone who is trying to solve problems
5. Anyone who wants to find themselves

Why newspaper?

Scientific evidence supports that journaling accesses the left brain, the analytical brain. While busy, the right brain is free to create.
Writing clears mental blocks and allows you to understand yourself.

Keep a diary every day:

1. Clarify your thoughts. The clarity I find when writing is incredible. There is power in the connection of the brain, the pen and the notebook.
You can’t get the same benefit from journaling with your computer as you can from actual writing.
2. Helps you examine feelings. I have moments of clarity about situations that have been confusing.
3. Reduce stress. Start typing. You will experience release and calm. Writing quiets the mental chatter.
4. Find solutions to problems. I have had AHA moments while writing. Somehow, the creative right brain finds answers.
5. It allows you to resolve disagreements. Most of the time, when I disagree with someone, I am the one who needs to change; writing helps me adjust my attitude.
6. Help you to know yourself. The more I visit my best friend, through journaling, the more I get to know and like myself.

Unknown:
“I go to this diary like any other poor devil goes to drink.”

When to write a diary?

1. Morning or afternoon any committed time. I prefer the morning when my dreams are still fresh. I combine journal time with meditation and spiritual reading.
2. The afternoon is a good time. You can reflect on your day and how you behaved.
3. Writing twice a day in the morning and at night is the best of all worlds. Try it for a week. You will like the results.
4. Many people write down thoughts and feelings throughout the day. That’s fine too.

The important thing is to write in your journal every day. Make it a habit.

What to write in a diary?
Write more than daily accounts, I got up, went to work, came home is not daily. Add thoughts, questions and revelations.

Write about your:

1. Inspiration
2 questions
3. Disclosures
4. Commitments
5. What did you do to help another person?
6. What did you learn?
7. What is your biggest mistake?
8. Confusing problems
9. Gratitude

it’s your story It’s your feelings, ideas, thoughts and dreams. The things that make up your life. That’s what you write about.
Reflect on what happens in your life, track events, look for patterns. Discover – become aware.

Remember – it’s your diary. You have the opportunity to choose what is important to you. That’s Diary.

How to make a diary?

Get a pencil and a pad or three-ring binder, or something fancy.
Please no computers.

You cannot achieve mind, hand and soul connection with a computer.

Start your writing by writing down three things you are grateful for, or write down three goals, three wishes, or three best qualities. Just start.
Commit to a time to write a journal.

Do you care who reads it? Decide if you want to insure it or not.

Twenty Benefits of Keeping a Journal

1. Reduce stress
2. Helps you stay focused and organized
3. It helps you organize your way of thinking
4. Serves as a reminder 5. Improves your sense of well-being
6. Helps clear the mind
7. Improves sense of gratitude
8. Promotes healing
9. Improve life
10. Generate creative ideas
11. Helps you understand yourself
12. Makes sense – increases perspective
13. Bring joy and humor
14. Increase sensitivity
15. Improve relationships with yourself and with others
16. Clear the mental block
17. Allows a better understanding of oneself
18. Leads you towards peace of mind
19. Promotes self-discipline
20. Improves spiritual growth

Summary

There is no better way to become familiar with yourself than to keep a journal.

It is the time you spend with yourself where you can collect your thoughts, resolve confusion, find focus, open your spirituality.

No one is judging your writing. There is great benefit and convenience in keeping a journal. It is a powerful time of reflection. A time to get to know yourself. It is also a cheap therapy.

Lao Tse Tao Te Ching:
“He who knows others learns
He who knows himself is wise”

Copyright © Wee Dilts 2009