"No Rules" Journaling

Is it journaling if you write on a paper napkin? Or in a fancy notebook? Or online? I think so. There’s no perfect way to journal. So if you’ve wanted to journal, but never tried it, dive in—or least stick your toe in the journaling waters. If you’ve journaled in the past, consider testing the waters again.

Too busy? Yes, I get it. Not oodles of discretionary time. Still it’s worth it. It has been for me—and many others.

Journaling Research Study: In a recent study, 41 unemployed professionals were divided into 3 groups. All searching for jobs, they submitted resumes, made phone calls and had interviews.

1. One group wrote about the frustrations and trauma of unemployment for 20 minutes each day.
2. The second group wrote about non-traumatic job-search events.
3. Third group didn’t write at all.

After eight months, the results:

1. Over one-half of those who wrote about their frustrations had full-time positions.
2. 25% of the non-trauma writers found work.
3. In the non-writing group, 13.6 % had started new jobs.

Researchers concluded that the difference in re-employment wasn’t differing job-hunting skills; they all took approximately the same steps. The difference seemed to be a more positive attitude evidenced in those who paid attention to their thoughts, emotions and frustrations as they wrote honestly in their journals. Interesting, huh?

Journaling Benefits: Recently I asked several people for reasons they journal. A writer friend said, “It is my way of keeping track of myself.” My hair stylist said, “I don’t have much time with three boys, a husband, and job, but I like to journal. I do it off and on—just 2 paragraphs at a time. It helps me stay aware of the bright spots in my busy day, so I can enjoy the moment. Otherwise, I tend to overlook the good times.”

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“A journal is a book . . . in which you carry out the greatest of life’s adventures–the discovery of yourself,” writes Ron Klug, one of my former editors and the author of Keeping a Spiritual Journal. “A journal . . . is a place to record daily happenings. But it is far more than that. A journal is also a tool for self-discovery, an aid to concentration, a mirror for the soul, a place to generate and capture ideas, a safety valve for the emotions, a training ground for the writer, and a good friend and confidant.”

Journaling and God: In case you or someone you know pooh-poohs the benefit of journaling, consider this:

• The book of Ecclesiastes is King Solomon’s published journal.
• In Numbers 33:2 God instructed Moses to write a diary/journal of his journey with that often grouchy bunch of people he led.
• The Psalms include many of King David’s journal entries.

Journaling and You: Okay, so your writing might not sound like David’s songs (or maybe it does.) But your diary/journal doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. Do what works for you. Keep it up or let it go. If you’re tired of journal writing, admit it on paper and skip a few days or longer. If you want a jump-start, consider jotting down your responses to these questions: When did I get frustrated today? What am I grateful for this morning?

Remember the basic guideline of journal-keeping: There are no rules. Enjoy. Your way is a good way. I’ve journaled on paper napkins, church bulletins, paper plates, as well as in fancy notebooks.

What are your experiences with journaling? I’d love to hear. (Send me your thoughts and stories and get your name entered into the summer drawing for an autographed copy of my new book, It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life.