An example of a short journal entry
You don't need a report on the entire day. Choose a moment and record what happened and how you experienced it. This fictional example illustrates a format; it does not describe your life or prescribe a correct response.
I left the office for a short walk at lunch. Before that I'd tried to finish everything without a break and was getting frustrated. Outside, I found it easier to switch gears. Tomorrow I'll see whether I can make a little time outdoors again.
- Event: a lunchtime walk.
- The writer's impression: it was easier to switch gears.
- A small intention: see whether it can happen again.
- A conclusion or plan is optional. An entry can end without either.
Three questions to start a journal
You don't have to answer every question every time. For free writing, begin with 'Today…'. If you don't want advice, say 'Help me put this into words without suggesting changes to my life'.
A journal can be about work, walks, creativity, conversations or ordinary events. An entry needn't be inspiring or dramatic to be worth keeping.
- What happened or stayed with me today?
- How did I experience it: what did I think or feel?
- What would I like to keep, understand or try next?
Return to your own observations
Write in the same chat or keep a journal elsewhere and bring selected passages. If an older entry matters, attach it or remind Bonnie what it said. This keeps the discussion grounded in your actual words.
- Ask to separate events from your interpretations.
- Share the entries you want to compare and look for recurring circumstances.
- Specify: 'Don't draw conclusions about my personality from one day'.
- Choose one small thing to notice next week instead of demanding perfect entries.