How to write in a journal
Many people want to record their lives, but may be too intimidated to begin. Journals are a good place to keep records of births, deaths, family history, marriages, divorces, blessings, baptisms and other family events. You can also track your struggles and your successes, and see how you've learned and improved over the years. Writing in a journal doesn't have to be difficult or daunting, but will instead likely become a favorite hobby once you know how to proceed.
Instructions
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Decide what you want to use as a journal. Composing on a computer gives you the option of easily searching entries, adding photos and videos and password protecting your writing. You can also make back-up copies to ensure your journal is never lost. However, keeping your writing on a computer may be inconvenient.
You can choose to write in a notebook or other paper bound book, which is more portable and convenient. You still have the option of transferring your writings to a word program later. However, if you have very sloppy handwriting, a written journal may not be decipherable to you later, or to your descendants who may want to read it later.
Whatever method you choose, make copies or back-ups so your memories will always be preserved.
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Start a new paper journal with some personal information on the first page, so if someone finds your journal they can return it to you. If you are writing a computer journal, create an opening statement to introduce yourself to the reader who may go through it years later.
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Start each entry with the day and date, such as Wednesday, October 4, 2015. You may also want to write the time and add a title or subject to the entry, if appropriate. These notes may make it easier to find entries later.
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Write about your day. You may think your life is boring, but think about what you do now that people did not do 20 or 50 years ago. Everyday ordinary things can become interesting when they are not ordinary anymore. Make sure to include the full names when speaking of a person. You may think you will always remember the name, but over time you may forget, and the people who read your journal may have no idea who you are talking about.
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Try to stay positive in your journal writings. We all have bad days, and it's good to vent and get it all out, but don't forget to write about all the good things in your life as well. Reading your past entries can give you perspective about your present concerns, and your experiences may be the exact thing your descendants will be troubled with at a later time. People can learn from what we do today, so write pieces of advice that have helped you. Also record your spiritual or religious beliefs and experiences.
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You may want to keep other information in your journal as well, such as your famous cookie recipe, or how to get stains out of your laundry or other little tidbits. You don't know how much you can pass on to your posterity.
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When you're all done with a written journal, sign your journal. It's an interesting way to show how your signature has changed, especially if it reflects your mood when you wrote.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure to double space your entries. It will make it easier to read later.
Always keep a current backup if you use computer entries.
Try to use proper grammar, or explain a slang term if you must use it.
Remember words change their meanings over time, so explain some if they have changed and write them in context so people can infer their meaning by what you wrote.
Remember everyone makes mistakes in life and that's how we learn and grow. Don't feel shy about writing about bad experiences, but be sure to see them as learning experiences as well.
If you write about bad experiences, try to include the good with it. Like what you learned from the experience. Unhappy feelings can trigger more unhappy feelings when you go back and read your entry again. Remember everyone makes mistakes in life and that's how we learn and grow. Bad experiences are a part of everyone's life, but we shouldn't let them rule our lives. So don't feel shy about writing about bad experiences, but see them as learning experiences as well!
References
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