For the past few weeks I have been keeping a diary in
written form as a method of helping me to reflect on daily activities. I have
never kept a journal before and so far I can definitely say how much of an
effect it has had on me. Some days when I go to write about my day, there is
nothing that has happened that has had that WOW factor, which at first made me
think that I am not achieving what I should be achieving for a number of
reasons, for example, I am not a member in a dance company, or I have not yet
been successful in a commercial dance audition, and so I do not have a ‘dance
day’ to write about (professionally anyway). However, I was completely wrong. Taking 20
minutes at the end of each day has made me reflect on my day, and has helped me
to understand that every scenario needs a process and constantly I am training,
auditioning and studying, which in itself is an achievement, as it allows me to
give myself opportunities to reflect as a person, which in turn allows me to
progress. I also like to read back through my journal and re-read my thoughts
and feelings of a particular day and compare it to other days, as well as
having a piece of writing that is completely private so I don’t have to feel
the need to re write certain parts because they wouldn’t make sense to the
reader, because that reader is me, which makes the journal completely personal,
and this journal process so far has allowed me to express, evaluate and most
importantly reflect.
What is a journal?
‘’A daily record, as of occurrences, experiences, or observations.’’(dictionary.com,
2016). A journal is a written method of practice that enables writers to give a
written account of their experiences, with a critical reflection, which allows
the individual to keep a personal account of their progression and development
as a person. It allows self-choice, such as the method and style of writing,
the use of book, and the language style.
Why a journal?
I initially chose a journal as a method of writing down my
thoughts because I have always enjoyed writing. At school, through my GCSE’s
and A-levels, and in Higher education, writing has always been enjoyable for
me, and didn’t necessarily always feel like ‘work’. For me, writing is special
and is the oldest method of primary data. I find it traditional and it allows
me to be personal, because we all share different methods of writing and even
as far as the differentiation of ‘neat and messy’ handwriting without our
writing being categorised in a certain font or size.
‘’Our whole lives we
are told to write a certain way, to use a number two pencil and stay within the
lines, to fill up exactly three pages with our thoughts on a specific theme,
being sure to include topic sentences and a conclusion. Journaling is
different. With journaling, there are no rules, no rights or wrongs. You might
decide to share parts of your journal, but, fundamentally, your journal is for
you. So you're in charge. Your journal is a space where you're absolutely free
to express yourself.’’(creative-writing-now.com, 2016).
Creative-writing-now.com [online]. Available from:
[Accessed 14.11.16]
Dictionary.com. [online]. Available from:
[Accessed on 14.11.16]
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