HOW TO GET STARTED:

When it comes to journaling, you can’t go wrong. Writing might help you capture special memories, process emotions, or learn more about yourself and others. If you commit to the process, you will surely start to see life as a writer, become more fluent and find your voice more easily. Research shows there are many benefits to journaling, including calming your nervous system, improving your immune system functioning, reducing your blood pressure, and even improving your working memory. Here are some tips to get started:

1) ROUTINE: Create a routine that works for you. This process is more beneficial if you can commit to it regularly, even if that is only for a few minutes once per week. Set aside time to write with us in person, write at home, or take your journal with you when you travel or spend time in nature.

2) PROCESS: Journaling is about the process, not the final product. The RJC is a group of writers who enjoy the experience of writing and have chosen to do this solo activity as a group. Our meetings consist of 30 minutes of silent writing and 30 minutes of discussion and sharing.

3) AUDIENCE: Journaling isn’t about performing. Journaling is about creating a safe place for you to express your inner thoughts and feelings and record memories. After 30 minutes of writing, we open the floor to optional sharing and discussion. Some members read aloud a favorite line, a portion of their entry, or their complete entries; others share the topics they write about or nothing at all. It’s also fine not to share.

4) GETTING STUCK: If you get stuck and cannot think of what to write about, either a) start writing “I cannot think of anything to write about” over and over until something comes into your mind (it will), or b) write to the prompt. Some people respond to the prompts, while others let their minds go in a stream of consciousness.

5) SILENCING YOUR INNER CRITIC & EDITOR: Fluency is hampered when we try to edit while we are writing.