How to Maintain a Journal

A journal is many things, from a time diary to a life-transforming tool. Above all, a journal is your confidante, your best friend, the one who knows all but won't tell. You can work in a fancy leather-bound book or a small spiral notebook. Choose one that entices you to reveal your secrets. You'll find writing in a journal will keep you sane and balanced throughout your life. Moreover, you'll be able to savor this memento in your old age.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Use the journal as a time diary. Choose one that has dates and ample room to record what happened when.

2. Make an art journal. Select a bound book with heavy weight paper. Draw, reveal your thoughts, paste down souvenirs and do watercolor sketches.

3. Turn your journal into an introspective journey that will enhance your development. Follow the structured exercises of Ira Progoff, a depth psychologist, in his "At a Journal Workshop." (See Resources below.)

4. Release your writer's block or creative paralysis with the help of Julia Cameron's "The Artist's Way" (see Resources below). She outlines a 12-week program prescribing assignments and tasks for each week. Work in a group to discover your artistic strengths.

5. Follow the techniques and directions Tristine Rainier outlines in "The New Diary, How to Use a Journal for Self-Guidance and Expanded Creativity" (see Resources below). This book is a treasure trove of ideas on the many uses for a journal, but is less structured than the Progoff or Cameron approach.

Resources

• Write everyday using the methods in Progoff's book.
• Work through the many projects in Cameron's book.
• Use your diary in different ways using Rainier's book.