Writing a journal. - Advice

KPG1978 · 09-11-2009, 13:02

Hi, bit of a random question but does anyone write a diary or journal?

What do you use like just normal paper and pens and how do you set it out?

My doctor has advised me to do it as part of my process of getting well again.

Thanks

euphie · 09-11-2009, 13:10

It's personal, not for anyone else's eyes, so why does it matter what way you set things out/what you use? Do what's comfortable for you

ElisaFettle · 09-11-2009, 13:11

Just use normal paper, probably buy a hard back notebook. You may want to read back in time to come so you don't want it falling to bits.

No real way of setting it out, just as it comes. Write about what has happened in your day, what feelings did you have when certain things happen and why do you think you felt that way.

It's only for your benefit, not for others so don't feel like it's an essay or anything.

Great way of off loading thoughts............actually I think I'll start one today

merlinsmum · 09-11-2009, 13:12

I've done it randomly over the years. Not for any particular reason, just because I sometimes get the urge to record my thoughts.

I think it's a very personal thing, I like to use a pen that looks like old fashioned ink and use a book about A5 in size. One of the important things for me is to date entries. It's quite illuminating when you read something you wrote quite some time ago. Good luck with it, just choose the materials you are comfortable with, and let your thoughts dictate.

sligorox · 09-11-2009, 13:16

I am thinking of starting to do one - more of a scrapbook/journal than a diary-type journal though for me.

There are some books on Amazon that I have my eye on that are about keeping a journal and so might be good for inspiration.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soul-Catcher...ref=pd_sim_b_5
http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Make-Jou...7772217&sr=8-7
http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Be-Explo...ef=pd_sim_b_11

KPG1978 · 09-11-2009, 13:18

Thanks, I suppose that I do want to be just be comfortable writing it but unfortunately I do have to show it to my doctor when I have 'unloaded my thoughts' etc which is the main purpose.

Inspiration · 09-11-2009, 13:41

Just go to a stationary store, they have plenty. Pick one that feels right and you like the paper etc and start writing.

KPG1978 · 09-11-2009, 13:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inspiration

Just go to a stationary store, they have plenty. Pick one that feels right and you like the paper etc and start writing.

Thanks I will, I hope it helps me but also that I start to enjoy doing it as I have got a lot more well recently

KPG1978 · 09-11-2009, 13:54

Would anybody suggest that I wrote it on DS and then just printed it off?

Neil C · 09-11-2009, 13:59

I wouldn't. This is an open forum and what you put on here could be open to all sorts of nasty remarks. If I were you I would keep it secret. I've had a journal on and off for 10 years and I've kept it password protected on my PC.

Inspiration · 09-11-2009, 14:02

I don't think that's a good idea really. I think taking time to sit with a journal and write it down in ink on paper will be much better and more effective. It gives you time to think, plus I think that you can be more expressive when you have a piece of paper than typing on a keyboard infront of a screen. Also if you post here you are going to be concious of others reading your thoughts.

KPG1978 · 09-11-2009, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inspiration

I don't think that's a good idea really. I think taking time to sit with a journal and write it down in ink on paper will be much better and more effective. It gives you time to think, plus I think that you can be more expressive when you have a piece of paper than typing on a keyboard infront of a screen. Also if you post here you are going to be concious of others reading your thoughts.

Some people know what I'm like already though, I want people to.

Inspiration · 09-11-2009, 14:27

Well thats fine but for this exercise I still think sticking to a paper journal is better.

KPG1978 · 09-11-2009, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Inspiration

Well thats fine but for this exercise I still think sticking to a paper journal is better.

Thanks, hopefully the doctor will realise that I'm not a bad person.

Neil C · 09-11-2009, 14:42

Why would your doctor think you're a bad person?

KPG1978 · 09-11-2009, 14:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil C

Why would your doctor think you're a bad person?

Because I've had to go recently and tell them what was on my mind as it was basically cracking me up constantly trying to ignore 'the bad voice' etc.

Neil C · 09-11-2009, 14:50

Now listen to me. You have got NOTHING to feed bad about. That "bad voice" isn't you. It's something that shouldn't be there. The doctor is on your side. He/she will help you to get rid of that bad voice forever.

Write down EVERYTHING that the voice says. It doesn't matter how many times you hear the same thing. Get it down

The more you tell the doctor the better. I wish you all the luck in the world.

KPG1978 · 09-11-2009, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil C

Now listen to me. You have got NOTHING to feed bad about. That "bad voice" isn't you. It's something that shouldn't be there. The doctor is on your side. He/she will help you to get rid of that bad voice forever.

Write down EVERYTHING that the voice says. It doesn't matter how many times you hear the same thing. Get it down

The more you tell the doctor the better. I wish you all the luck in the world.

Thanks, I appreciate it

Bye now.

ikkleosu · 09-11-2009, 16:00

last post isn't showing

09-11-2009, 13:02	#1
KPG1978 Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 755 Blog Entries: 7	Writing a journal. Hi, bit of a random question but does anyone write a diary or journal? What do you use like just normal paper and pens and how do you set it out? My doctor has advised me to do it as part of my process of getting well again. Thanks

09-11-2009, 13:10	#2
euphie Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 530	It's personal, not for anyone else's eyes, so why does it matter what way you set things out/what you use? Do what's comfortable for you

09-11-2009, 13:11	#3
ElisaFettle Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 71	Just use normal paper, probably buy a hard back notebook. You may want to read back in time to come so you don't want it falling to bits. No real way of setting it out, just as it comes. Write about what has happened in your day, what feelings did you have when certain things happen and why do you think you felt that way. It's only for your benefit, not for others so don't feel like it's an essay or anything. Great way of off loading thoughts............actually I think I'll start one today

09-11-2009, 13:12	#4
merlinsmum Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Services: I'm reading, ask me later! Posts: 2,746	I've done it randomly over the years. Not for any particular reason, just because I sometimes get the urge to record my thoughts. I think it's a very personal thing, I like to use a pen that looks like old fashioned ink and use a book about A5 in size. One of the important things for me is to date entries. It's quite illuminating when you read something you wrote quite some time ago. Good luck with it, just choose the materials you are comfortable with, and let your thoughts dictate.

09-11-2009, 13:16	#5
sligorox Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Gender: Not specified Location: Hampshire Posts: 876	I am thinking of starting to do one - more of a scrapbook/journal than a diary-type journal though for me. There are some books on Amazon that I have my eye on that are about keeping a journal and so might be good for inspiration. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Soul-Catcher...ref=pd_sim_b_5 http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Make-Jou...7772217&sr=8-7 http://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Be-Explo...ef=pd_sim_b_11

09-11-2009, 13:18	#6
KPG1978 Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 755 Blog Entries: 7	Thanks, I suppose that I do want to be just be comfortable writing it but unfortunately I do have to show it to my doctor when I have 'unloaded my thoughts' etc which is the main purpose.

09-11-2009, 13:41	#7
Inspiration Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 18,906	Just go to a stationary store, they have plenty. Pick one that feels right and you like the paper etc and start writing.

09-11-2009, 13:54	#9
KPG1978 Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 755 Blog Entries: 7	Would anybody suggest that I wrote it on DS and then just printed it off?

09-11-2009, 13:59	#10
Neil C Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,682	I wouldn't. This is an open forum and what you put on here could be open to all sorts of nasty remarks. If I were you I would keep it secret. I've had a journal on and off for 10 years and I've kept it password protected on my PC.

09-11-2009, 14:02	#11
Inspiration Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 18,906	I don't think that's a good idea really. I think taking time to sit with a journal and write it down in ink on paper will be much better and more effective. It gives you time to think, plus I think that you can be more expressive when you have a piece of paper than typing on a keyboard infront of a screen. Also if you post here you are going to be concious of others reading your thoughts.

09-11-2009, 14:27	#13
Inspiration Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 18,906	Well thats fine but for this exercise I still think sticking to a paper journal is better.

09-11-2009, 14:42	#15
Neil C Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,682	Why would your doctor think you're a bad person?

09-11-2009, 14:50	#17
Neil C Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,682	Now listen to me. You have got NOTHING to feed bad about. That "bad voice" isn't you. It's something that shouldn't be there. The doctor is on your side. He/she will help you to get rid of that bad voice forever. Write down EVERYTHING that the voice says. It doesn't matter how many times you hear the same thing. Get it down The more you tell the doctor the better. I wish you all the luck in the world.

09-11-2009, 16:00	#19
ikkleosu Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Dundee, Scotland Services: Evil BT Home Hub Broadband, BT Vision and SKY basic Posts: 5,404	last post isn't showing