How to Keep a Diary
Many think that a diary is only appropriate for teen girls who have nothing to write about but their crushes and big ambitions. On the contrary, adults and kids, and men and women alike have diaries, because it’s a great way to express emotions and keep memorable experiences. If you’re interested, here’s how to successfully keep a diary.
What You’ll Need:
Diary (Notebook or scrapbook)
Pen
Computer with Internet connection (if you want to keep an online diary)
What’s Your Diary Style?
Determine what’s your writing style and habit. Your diary should reflect your personality and must be flexible enough, so you can write at your own leisure. Remember, your diary helps you unwind; it should not be the one causing you burdens.
Pick out what type of diary you’ll like. Many opt for traditional notebook-like diaries. Pick out one that suits your taste. Some diaries are personalized, so they’ll act as scrapbooks. Some even have their own keys, for additional privacy.
If you’re always on the Internet though, you might prefer an online journal by starting a blog (Learn how to start a blog). Blogging is an efficient way of keeping a diary, and works for many people who are always in front of a computer.
The Basics
diaryOn the first page of your diary, write down basic information about yourself. Most commercially-sold types have pages with blanks where you can just input the info. Put in your name or nickname, age, occupation or school grade and hobbies. You can also add in contact details, so if you lose it, the finder will know where to return it.
As you begin an entry, label the top with the date, the day of the week and even where you’re writing the letter. Most people write “Dear Diary” or “Dear Journal” at the top, but if you think this is too childish, you can just skip it.
Filling In The Pages
As you write, imagine that you’re talking to your best friend. Explain as clearly as you can, putting in as much information and details as possible. If you’re not a natural writer, this might be very difficult at first. Just write down your thoughts. Soon, you’ll get your style, and writing will be easy.
The subjects of your entries depend on you. You can write down what makes you happy, your frustrations or your dreams. You can put in schedules, write about your friends and what you did for the day. Anything goes. It’s yours, anyway.
Try to write in your diary at least once a day, and take it wherever you go. Of course, there are times when you’ll go through days, a week or even months without writing an entry. Don’t worry. Just start again from the present day. Do not attempt to catch up on events you haven’t written about, or you’ll become overwhelmed and lose interest altogether.
Sticking To A Diary
Every now and then, read your past entries. It’s a great way to reminisce and see how much your writing style has improved. You’ll also notice how you’ve grown as a person. Keep your diary, and don’t throw it away.
Another tip: Always keep your diary hidden. Chances are you’ve written many embarrassing and personal experiences and entries, and you wouldn’t want another person reading them.
A diary is a great way to keep track of and preserve the events that happen in your life. Get your pen ready and write away!