by Jennifer E. Brown

Created on: February 04, 2009   Last Updated: February 11, 2009

Since we were young, in English and other writing classes we are taught to keep a journal. This is a place to keep intimate, private thoughts that is only meant for the writer's eyes. The writing that is expressed in journaling-thoughts, emotions, experiences - should always be sacred. For academic purposes, journals are used to teach students how to write better in each grade level. Most teachers will provide topics, but sometimes it's the topic that gets you stumped. For others, it's the absence of one that prevents one from writing.

So why should you journal? First, and perhaps most important, it provides you insight. Keep in mind that each entry you make doesn't have to be related to the last one. Likewise, you can fill a whole volume of entries that are of one theme. Your journal gives you insight to your experiences, thoughts, emotions, memories of your life. Each time you write, you express how you feel about something, and it's up to you whether you want to share it with anybody. You may even reflect back on old entries and go "What was I thinking treating my significant other like that?" or "I really loved that vacation! We should back."

Your journal follows your rules. Find one that fits a size comfortable to you, lines or no lines, and the binding you like best. Find a pen that is comfortable to hold and consider what you want your journal to be. You can put pictures, quotes, poems, stories, recipes, etc. This is your journal and this is your private space. You may even decide to have a shared journal with your family or friends which is where others write entries as well. This could turn out to be fun as long as nothing hurtful is said towards other people.

Furthermore, keep in mind that there is no form to a journal. That is, it can be on one specific genre. For instance, let's say you're a world traveler and want to keep a travel journal. Perhaps you'd include postcards, pictures, your reflections on how the country you visited is different from your homeland, etc. Include a series of entries for each vacation, and try to make each one unique. Likewise, you can keep a health journal. If you're going through a terminal illness this would be a great gift to your family after you're gone. It would give them a chance to see the disease from the victim's eyes instead of the family's eyes. Third, dream journals are popular among writers. Dreams are powerful in their meanings, and this is how many get great ideas for their writing. Don't let creativity

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