Do You Journal?

[Dee Morris]

If so, do you have a routine or specific format in which you do?

I am currently using penzu for my therapeutic journaling needs. I don't know that I have a specific routine for journaling so much as a self calming technique to help me relax while I write. I put on headphones & listen to music. I usually try to wait until I have put my daughter to bed for the night. I have journal-ed before then if I am concerned about losing my train of thought.

As for format, I use a "Dear You" type of writing style. Essentially, it's in the form of written communication to another person but the receiver of the communication is subjective. I do edit my entries as well. Can we say "Anal retentive"? :whistling:

 

[Philippa]

I don't really have a formal format, though I do have an online diary at my workplace, where I can escape to while I'm "working" if feelings or difficult memories or thoughts come up for me...so I don't have to walk around supressing it all and stuffing it down just to fit in. I have relative privacy, though the scientists are prone to just come in without warning to get something...which is annoying, as I have to be sneaky about it...but it's gotta be done.

I also write in a journal at home...usually before bed or at night some time. I don't write it in a "dear diary" format...I just start writing and whatever comes out is what needs to come out...that's my philosophy anyway.

Sometimes, if I can't think of what to write about, or it doesn't seem like there is anything too important or big to write about, I just write about mundane things...what happened in my day, little details of things unrelated to trauma or anything....what I had for lunch etc. Sometimes big stuff comes up when I don't think about it too much...but sometimes nothing does, and I just write about my day or a song I heard that I liked, or whatever.

 

[The Albatross]

On line diary here too. This is my first real forray into journaling. It was recommended for a long time but I'd resisted. I do try to have a routine. I try to do it in the mornings and then if I come back I can browse the forum and post and share support for others. I try to be consistent about the "what are you thinking feeling thread" because I found I had trouble in this area and it's kind of like my little homework assignment before I start the day.

I've been focusing on the traumas more, and what I'm feeling at that moment. No style to speak of, I write like I would speak. I am looking forward to other input about journaling... because this is a new thing for me, and I'm open to anything helpful to get as much benefit out of it as I can.
Thanks Dee for the topic!

 

[Dee Morris]

I sometimes feel like I don't know what to write. A lot of times I put on headphones & just start typing.

I'm not comfortable with a "Dear Diary" type of entry. The thing that I like about the personal letter format that I use is that it allows me to say things to certain people that I wouldn't feel safe saying face to face.

Philippa, I sometimes write about music too. I love, love, love music of all kinds.