Self-Expression with Writing
/Self-Expression Through Writing – AKA “Keeping a Diary”
How many of us remember “keeping a diary” when we were young? How many of us continue this practice, although we may call it something different now? Maybe we call it “diary”, “journal”, “expressive writing”, “chronicle”, “log”, “blog”, or “vlog.” However we identify the resource of keeping record or taking note of our internal thoughts, this process can be helpful. A diary can play many roles. We can use the diary for self-expression, keeping confidences, exploring options, recording our dreams or desires. It can be a tool to help us cope with difficult times. Help to keep us on track. Provide comfort, challenge doubts. A diary can help us see details in situations, thoughts, or events. It can record our passion, confidence, and bravery. A diary can be a sacred space to hold our grief.
Diaries are personalized and individualized in their context, content, and character. We can create diaries for events, goals, projects, visions, or other connections where we want to record our declarations. We can use sketching, color, texture, code, with our words to expand our expression. An “affirmation diary” can help us with self-encouragement. A “gratitude diary” can help us to gain a more positive outlook on our life. There are no limits to how the “diary” can help us connect with ourselves.
Reading through our diaries from time to time can help us reflect and see changes that occur in our lifespan. Some folks may have been prolific writers and note makers in their diaries over the years and can see the record of their life’s journey. Some even turn them into books, movies, or plays! The handwritten diary has taken electronic form in recent years. The blog or vlog have taken up where some “old fashioned” diaries have been cast aside. Regardless of your method, keeping a diary may be the self-expression and connection you need. So grab your favorite writing instrument or keyboard and …..Write on!
