by Ruth Belena

Created on: May 14, 2009   Last Updated: May 30, 2009

Starting a personal journal can take you on a journey of self discovery. In a journal you can give a true account of all your emotional experiences, and keep a record many incidents you would otherwise forget.

When you start a personal journal you are creating something that it is never ending. When you get into the habit of recording your own life, the urge to write can develop into a real need, and you will always want to write about everything that happens to you.

Keeping a journal will help you to notice more. Each day you become aware of things to write about, and you will think notice of what is going on in your life.

You may find it easier to type out your thoughts on a computer keyboard, but reading what you have written on a screen, or printed out, is never be as effective as seeing your own words written out by hand, in a journal you can dip into and rediscover your past .

First Journal Entry

Start with the reasons why you want to keep a journal. This will provide you with a useful reminder, whenever you are unable to think of something to write.

You can also include a brief autobiography, write about what is important in your life, and put into words what you want to achieve.

Second and Subsequent Journal Entries

Write about what you have been feeling, rather than a straightforward review of events. Try to record even a small moment of the day that made you smile, or something you enjoyed doing. Explain what it was that made you feel good.

Writing about the bad times and the worst moments in life can help you to put them into perspective. You can decide that in future your journal will record happier times.

Your personal journal can become a source of inspiration. It will allow you to think of all possibilities. This will motivate you into being more positive about reaching your goals and making your dreams come true.

Recording your progress through life step by step, you will begin to notice how successful you are in overcoming difficulties, and how you deal with disappointment. Whenever you begin to doubt your own abilities, you can recall previous accomplishments by reading your journal, and realize your potential for future success.

How to Continue With Your Personal Journal

Try to have a regular amount of time set aside each day for your personal journal. If you want to keep a daily account, you may want to leave writing your journal until just before you go to sleep. If you do not have a daily session with your journal, you will require a longer amount of time to think about and record all that has occurred over several days.

If you miss a few days, months or weeks, you can write a summary of what has been happening in your life, and then recommence regular writing in your journal from that point. Even if you have neglected a journal for years, it is never too late to pick it up again and continue with your personal journal.

Whatever your purpose in wanting to start a personal journal, it can become a regular habit that you will not want to stop.

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