Summary
Dear Diary Day occurs on September 22nd of every year, intended to honor the documentation of our thoughts and lives. Some people think that journaling “just isn’t for them” or don’t know what to write, but there’s more to a journal than what’s traditionally thought of. Here are 5 ideas for what to write, add, and do to your journal.
“Put it on paper. You’ll feel better. No need to be a professional writer." - Thomas and Ruth Roy
Dear Diary Day
Dear Diary Day is a lesser-known celebration day that occurs on September 22nd of every year. Created by Thomas and Ruth Roy, along with more than 70 other holidays since the 80s, the Wellcat holiday is intended to honor the documentation of our thoughts and lives, as well as its various benefits. A holiday to appreciate the art of journaling, Thomas and Ruth say, “Put it on paper. You’ll feel better. No need to be a professional writer.”
Journaling has been shown to help improve one’s emotional regulation, self-awareness, and confidence, as well as creativity and problem-solving. It has also been shown to help lower blood pressure and heart rate.
1. Traditional Diary Entry Ideas
Make a list of things you want to do, have to do, or would never do. Make a bucket list, or a list of reads that are perfect for the fall. You can even use it for more mundane tasks, like household chores or homework.
Write down your goals. If you need help with the formatting, set a goal for 4 days from now, then 4 weeks, 4 months, and even 4 years. Adjust it however you like, but seeing your plan written down can give you the extra boost of motivation you need.
If you need some prompts: What would younger you be grateful for in your life now? What are you scared of, but would do, and love, if you had the courage? Write a letter you’d never send.
Here are some tips: there’s no audience for your journal/diary, so write however you want! Formally, informally, to no one, or to a particular audience. And write in it every chance you get to form a habit! Keep notes, lists, track habits, etc.
2. Draw Something That Catches Your Eye (even if messily)
Sketch the pidgin that looks like he’s a man cursed to live inside that body. Draw scribbles with a pencil, then use a marker to make an abstract piece of art. Test out your new pack of highlighters and make a rainbow that will look really cool under different lighting.
3. Make A Collage/Inspiration Spread
If you’re feeling particularly inspired by a movie or TV show you just watched, or have an aesthetic you’re particularly into, make a collage/inspiration spread. Start with construction paper for a background color that sets the mood, then add photos, phrases, or even ribbons that match. Get creative with different textures, colors, and shapes. With a bit of time and creative effort, you can make something really personal and aesthetically pleasing.
4. Junk Journal/Memory Journal
If you still have an old movie stub, concert stub, or the label off your favorite soda, you can make a junk or memory journal!
For a memory journal, collect little items you may usually overlook, but remind you of that special day or memory, and add them in! Include photos, old coasters from a favorite restaurant, or the flower that a loved one gave you (bonus points if you press the flower to save forever!).
For a junk journal, collect anything and everything. Even things that may not seem like they fit can be made into art. Collect wrappers (and clean them), ripped magazine pieces, and your old sticker collection from childhood that you found during your deep clean. Anything can be part of a junk journal! Especially if you’re not picky about your journal closing.
5. Make a commonplace book.
A commonplace book is a collection of quotes, cool words, book titles, show names, song titles, anecdotes, and sources, meant to serve as a personalized reference guide. Technically, the two are different, but that doesn’t mean your journal/diary can’t also serve as a commonplace book. Some people actually tend to prefer this! Which doesn’t mean you can’t do a bit of “traditional” journaling and keep a record of your personal events or feelings.