by Denisa Howe

Created on: June 25, 2009   Last Updated: June 27, 2009

Journaling is one of the most unique and personal writing one can experience. Whether you enjoy writing or reading one, it stirs the emotions deep within us and opens our hearts and minds. In deciding to keep a journal, one of the first things one must decide is why. What is the purpose of this journal? Is it to be passed down throughout other generations of the family? Is it a secret private writing you wish to keep to yourself alone? Is it to document a life and maybe contain family history? Is it just for a need to write? Regardless of your reasons, you will find it one of the most rewarding attempts you will ever partake in.

First, you need to decide if you want to journal on the computer, which is rather easy or paper journaling. If you choose to journal on the computer, you are limited to writing at home, unless you have a laptop. You may want to consider the fact electronic changes in the future. When computers first came out, one used floppy disk to store on. Floppy disk is now obsolete. If you store on CD's and they are replaced by another way of storage, you will have to transfer information at one point or another. If you love, the feel of pen or pencil and the smell of paper and the ease of writing on the spot, paper journaling might be the better choice. Most bookstores sell hardback journal books in many different sizes. When journaling on paper you can virtually write any where at any time.

Next, one might set realistic rules. If you decide to write each and every day, you have already set up to fail. Journaling comes from the heart and emotions it cannot be forced just to make an entry. If you are journaling family history, you could make entries a couple of times a month to every three months or as family brings changes. If you are journaling personal feelings and or thoughts, you may find yourself writing more then once a day.

Some journalist writes in a format of a personal letter to themselves or an unknown friend. They may use correct grammar or not. Many find themselves writing page after page for one entry while others write five sentences or so. The wonderful thing about journaling is there are no rules. Like scrap booking, it is distinctive in form and thought no two are alike.

Writers have discovered deep within the lines of their journal are potential books or tales which can be formed into many other writings. In describing thoughts and feelings of a character, one can find a start from personal journals.

Having kept a journal for over

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