Feel free to veer off into any topic you want as you’re writing about the day’s events. For example, you could write about the English exam you took at school that day. Are you feeling good about the exam? Do you wish you had studied more? Are you nervous to receive your grade?
For example, you could write about short-term goals like studying for your algebra exam or hitting the gym for a cardio session. Long-term goals would be stuff like choosing and applying to colleges or saving up money to buy a car.
For example, if you’re feeling sad, you can write a diary entry about why you feel that way and any events that may have contributed. You can add a line from the lyrics of a song you are often listening to in your entry to preserve the current mood.
For example, you might write down a quote like, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started,” which came from Mark Twain. Write a diary entry about what this means to you and what things you need to get started on to achieve certain goals.
For example, if you love sports, write about why you love a certain sport, your favorite teams, and personal goals you have if you play any sports yourself. If you love painting, you could write about your favorite painters, the painting styles that speak to you the most, recent paintings you’ve made, and ideas for future paintings.
If you like, you can also put the time, day of the week, and your location alongside the date.
Once you start writing, you’re free to veer off into any subject you like! But having something in mind when you start the entry can help kickstart the writing process.
For example, you might write something like, “I’m worried about volleyball tryouts this week. I’ve practiced a lot and I feel ready, but I’m so nervous I can hardly eat. "
For example, you might write, “I feel jealous of Shaun’s new car. I’m happy for him, but it seems really unfair that his parents bought him a brand new car. I’m working every day after school just to save up for a used car. " If you’re afraid someone will find and read your diary, there are things you can do to prevent this. Physical diaries with locks and password-protected digital diaries are two of the most popular ways to control privacy. Many people have epiphanies about themselves and their relationships through honest diary writing. Be open to learning about yourself as you write. [8] X Research source
For some people, it helps to take a few minutes at the beginning of each entry to simply free write.
Detailed writing isn’t for everyone, so don’t feel like you have to write long, wordy sentences. If you find it easier to express your emotions in short bursts or even bullet points, feel free to do that.
For example, you might choose to write in your diary every night right before bed. Don’t set an unrealistic schedule for yourself. If writing every day seems out of reach, plan on writing entry 3 times a week instead.
For example, you could write a few key bullet points in your diary when you’re pressed for time. Setting an intimidating schedule for yourself could be counterproductive. You want journaling to be an outlet, not a chore, so go easy on yourself. Pick a time to write when you don’t have other obligations or time constraints.
Quick drawings may also help you get down something that you want to remember but don’t have time to write about.
