In May, I was invited to speak at a local high school about my journey with publishing my book. The central theme I chose to convey was to encourage my audience to write their stories. Everyone has unique experiences and perspectives that can inspire others. Memoirs, histories, recipes, and stories of our past can empower others. When others see human nature in a story, then it becomes more tangible. The written words of others do inspire me. 

One easy way to find your voice is by keeping a journal. Journal writing is a powerful form of self-expression, and free therapy, too! Writer, Laurel Thatcher Ulrich won a Pulitzer prize in 1991 for her book A Midwife’s Tale: The Life of Martha Ballard, Based on Her Diary, 1785-1812. Ulrich spent eight years transforming the diary into a book which ended up being three times the length of what she thought it would be. 

Because of Martha Ballard’s journal, who made notes of her daily routine, interactions with her children, domestic life, and midwifery during that time, the reader can imagine what life was like during the late 1700s. Martha Ballard attended 816 births in 27 years as a midwife. It was rare for a woman during that time to keep a journal. 

Your journal might influence someone 50 years from now!

What To Include In Your Journal

• Important events, impressions, and personal feelings
• Records of deaths, births, marriages
• Personal triumphs, failures, and struggles
• Current local, national, and world events that may impress you or influence your life
• Simple occurrences in daily life
• Tape or glue concert tickets, cards, funeral programs, 
• If you receive a memorable text from someone, record it in your journal

Journal Suggestions

• Look at diaries and journals kept by great people from history or those kept by family and friends, if possible.
• Select a definite time to write–every morning, or every night, or maybe every Sunday. If something comes up, jot down reminders to be written later.
• Pick a journal that you like, one that won’t make you intimidated.
• Use ink for permanence and ease in writing.
• Be aware that different events are best recorded at different times. If you’re excited and happy, write it down immediately. If you are depressed and angry, wait a day until the mood has passed and you’ve gained a different perspective on the situation.
• Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or artistic value. These will come as you write more.
• Write the truth, and represent yourself as sincerely as you can. Relax and be original.
• Reread periodically because sometimes you will find that you don’t understand what you, yourself, wrote and what seemed clear at that time.
• If you enjoy drawing, or sketching, try your hand at making an illuminated journal. An illuminated journal is a written and visual record of impressions using pen sketches and watercolors. 
• Use calligraphy or different fonts for your headings, in the borders, anywhere.
• I like 8 1/2 x 11 journals, but I usually take a small journal when I travel.

If journal writing is not your thing, then keep a bullet list of daily activities, to do lists, accomplishments, anything! And you can doodle too! I have quite a few doodles in my journals.