The 5 W’s

05 Jun 2019 Comments Off

Dear Fellow Journalers,

Remember when you were in school and you had to write a composition? I remember the teacher, who happened to be a nun, telling us that if we wanted our stories to be unique we had to answer 5 questions within the first paragraphs. Who, what, when, where, and why we’re the guidelines we should follow.

I mention this because I sometimes feel as though I repeat myself in my journaling. If I’m bored or tired I just write the same old stuff. Being one who is creative by nature and wanting to be true to herself, I find this behavior self-defeating. If I find myself writing such things as “nothing much happened today”often I have to verbally stop myself.

So how do we overcome doldrums? I don’t think it matters what type of journal you’re writing – the problem is still the same. What to write about and should I write when I’m bored?

Peach Tree Farms by Charles Wysocki

Above my roll-top writing desk is a framed print called “A Peach of a Day”. The original was painted by a well-known artist by the name of Charles Wysocki. The picture always makes me happy. I try to surround myself with things like that -a scented candle, a lighthouse themed quilt, a mason jar mug of the beverage of the day. But still, sometimes I have problems writing.

Experts have different techniques that help with this issue. I have, on occasion followed some:

Go for a walk.Sometimes nature can sooth our souls. If impossible, due to weather, watch a nature or travel show on TV.
Knowing the best time for you to write in your journal is a good thing. Try experimenting say write in the early morning or at lunch for a different spin.
Listen to an audio book.
Pick up your favorite book and read one chapter. More than that and you’ll finish the book!
Create some art. When was the last time you added any “bling” to your journal cover?
Watch a TED talk.
Make a self-care kit for when you have a bad day.
Do you often go by a certain restaurant or store and never stop to browse? Now’s your excuse.
Try writing in your journal at a coffee shop or outside.
Color a page in a coloring book.
Practice mindfulness.
Do a random act of kindness for someone.
Visit the library and bring home some awesome books.
Write about your present moment.
Maintain a success log.(Your accomplishments no matter how big or small) For instance, I drove in the pouring rain at 2am to the hospital. (I don’t like driving at night and especially don’t like driving when I don’t know how to get where I’m supposed to be).
Write in the third person. For instance, “Kelly woke up at 8 am” not “I woke up at 8 am”.
Write in a different pen color.
Make a list of things to buy or do.
Try writing in your non-dominate hand.