Personal Journal Blog - WriteON!

My Many Journals

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Guest Post by Robyn Chausse 

What is a journal? The standard definition of a journal is “a written daily record of personal experiences.” In my definition, a journal can be a log—a place to remember things or track changes-- or it can be a mirror which reveals those things we do not yet know. Sometimes it’s just a place to vent.

For years, that’s what I had—a place to vent. Sometimes I’d ask myself why a thing had to be a certain way but most of my reflection was off the page and in my head. Then I decided to pursue my writing and began collecting blank books, spiral notebooks, and composition books. Now I have all kinds of journals!

The composition books I use to capture melancholy moods brought about by seasonal changes, gorgeous sunsets or a good rain storm. The smells, the feel, the thoughts and reflections--is the vibe in the neighborhood quiet or not? What critters are moving about? Sensory descriptions go in these.

The spiral notebooks are my “working books.” I use them mostly to brainstorm my writing projects. I found that my rough drafts lack heart when started on the computer whereas when I begin with pen and paper I capture more of myself.

The beautiful blank books, brightly colored and covered with fabrics or handmade papers, are my personal journals. These are where I reveal my hopes and disappointments that no one else can hear. Dreamtime deciphering, experiences I don’t want to forget, my thoughts at every birthday or New Year each recorded and mused upon within these bound pages. Whether or not I heed the reflections revealed is another matter; sometimes I do, but sometimes I still just vent.

About the Author

Robyn Chausse is a freelance writer and crafty creative with several books on the fire but none of them finished—perhaps she should ask her journal about that! In the meantime, she invites all of her journaling friends to join her at her personal blog, A Ponderance of Things / . You can also follow her on Twitter @RCchrps.