It’s not an uncommon fact that many teens keep a journal. When it’s difficult to talk about problems with a parent, sibling or councilor, turning to a writing journal is the next best thing. It may seem strange to get started if you’ve never written in a journal before, but it’s so easy to do.
You don’t need anything fancy, use a simple scribbler, or if you want to keep a small notebook in your purse or backpack, that’s a great idea too. Small notebooks are discreet and if you feel a little foolish bringing out a huge scribbler (someone might think you are doing homework – Yuk), then that’s your best bet.
Not sure what to write about? No worries. Try something which is called freefall writing. But first, never start writing on the first page of your new journal. It’s way too intimidating. Not to mention if you catch someone taking a quick peek at your journal, they usually begin on the first page. Writing a few pages in gives you a chance to catch the culprit and grab the journal before they get too in-depth into it.
Back to free fall writing. This is a method of writing where you let the pen go as fast as your wrist can keep up to jot down whatever your mind is telling you. You’ll be writing using the right side of your brain, which is the creative, intuitive side, or the heart part of your brain. That ‘romantic, don’t care how messy I am’ side of yourself. For once, forget about grammar, punctuation and form. Just write like crazy – don’t censor your thoughts, don’t prompt your brain for new ideas, and don’t even worry if what you are writing is good or not. Just write. Write from your heart.
Are you worried nothing will come? Don’t worry, it will. If it isn’t, then quit censoring yourself. Just let it be and let go. Keep a journal when talking won’t help. Once your thoughts are off your chest, you might feel a little drained, but you will also feel lighter somehow.
Go for it and let us know how it works for you, by replying to this post.
