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Journaling

Journaling is a skill that can help young women grow to be as healthy as can be. Writing is a wonderful way to take care of yourself. Journaling is a way to keep connected and develop a relationship... a very important relationship...with yourself.

There are many forms of journaling. You can have different journals for different purposes, or vary one journal for what you need at the time.

Confidentiality must be considered before you begin to write in your journal. Will anyone read your journal? It may be helpful to talk to those in your family about confidentiality of your journal. Traditional diaries have a lock and key. Most of today's journals are more like a book.

Styles of journals vary. You can use a simple notebook or even staple or tape empty pages together. Because journaling is comforting and personal, many young women purchase journals.

Journaling types vary:
Diary: When you diary, you make an entry most everyday. It can include simply what you did that day, the weather, and how you did at school and in your activities. There are some historically important diaries. One is The Midwife's Tale which was one of the earliest diaries found of a woman who simply documented simple facts about her day as a midwife and nurse. In total, it gives us an original picture not only of the life of an early woman settler's life, but of the diseases that traveled through the area at that time. Information that is simple and day-to-day, can over time be valuable.

Writing about important experiences: This is a common type of journaling by women. It is like talking to an intimate friend about what on your mind and in your heart. This journal style isn't always used daily although it can be for a period of time, and some women do journal daily in this style. You may journal:

• Issues you are experiencing with a friend or parent or at school
• Special moments that you experienced
• A special dream
• Drawings, poetry or verse that you create
• You may tape in items that are important to you, such as pictures, admission stubs or a special note fromsomeone.

Expressing yourself: Sometimes you may have strong feelings and no one that you want to talk to at that time. It can be helpful to express these feelings on paper. You can simply vent, or describe what the feelings are like (example "I'm upset and it's like red, screaming and dispersed out into the sky.").

Other uses: You may also journal to record:

• Problems for your health care practitioner- as when you get your period, or problems as headaches or stomach aches
• Scores or milestones in activities
• Your goals for the year, month or week

Created 11/00. Revised 5/`7/02