Dear Diary...

A fabulous way to remember your best (and worst) moments?  Journalling!  Yes, it's time-consuming, but oh-so-rewarding.  Even if you're okay with putting the past behind you, and keeping it there, journals are an excellent release.

If you're having commitment issues, try one these ideas on for size:

1. Make lists!  They're quick, to-the-point, and perhaps even a little addictive
2. Draw your day.  Whether you have an excellent eye for the finer details of the world around you, or an knack for doodling, scribbling away a few images is just as legitimate as a full written entry.
3. Make a mind map.  Start with a favourite memory/any old memory, and let your brain do the rest, adding more and more jots and connecting them with arrows/whatever it is your mind maps with.

Don't be afraid to whip out your journal at any given moment and document your life's happenings.  It's better to have a quick note than to forget the details later.  Bring your journal along with you when you go out and fill it up with jots, scribblings, poems, song lyrics, business cards, pamphlets, stickers, receipts...

absolutely whatever comes to mind!

The Write Stuff

Journalling Frills and Essentials

A journal/diary/notebook

Find one that suits your needs.  Bindings that sit at the top of the book are best if you want to rest it on your lap and write/draw.  Watercolour paper and cardstock have a good weight and will hold up better to felt-tip pens and markers.  A Moleskine notebook ("the legendary notebook of Hemingway, Picasso and Chatwin") is an excellent investment piece, and comes in different shapes, sizes and paper styles including blank, lined and graph paper.

A writing utensil

Again, choose one that will be most effective for your journaling style.  Ballpoint pens are great for dotjotting, felt-tip or markers are better for on-the-go because they write whether your notebook is lying down flat or not.  Fountain pens should be stored carefully as a leak is hazardous to your possessions surrounding it.  Pencils are lovely for sketches and the indecisive.  Whatever you buy, make sure it is a quality piece that will last you a good while.

Not necessary, but...

Check out your local scrapbooking source for folded photo corners to adhere your favourite photographs to the pages of your journal.  Black is always a classic choice, but there are many different styles available.  

A Polaroid camera is an extremely expensive way to capture an image of something you see when you're out and about and write about it immediately.

What To Wear While Journaling

• Peacoats, slouchy hats, scarves and big sweaters create a nicely poetic vibe for coffee-house note-taking
• A crisp button-down and jeans with a nice trench are perfect for park-bench jots
• Dark drainpipes and turtleneck are perfect for art gallery revelations
• Pyjamas and a robe, coffee mug in hand, are just right for mid-morning entries