How to Write a Diary

We all at some point in our lives want to express our innermost thoughts, experiences and series of events as they unfold in our lives or around us to no one in particular. We just want to express ourselves and keep those memories intact. Keeping a diary can come to the rescue. But how do we write/keep one?

Decide which type you want to keep (electronic/paper).

You need to choose whichever is convenient for you. If you are going for an electronic one, you will definitely find some useful note-taking and diary apps online. Thanks to technology, these apps can be locked or encrypted for privacy and as well backed up on other devices in case your device gets lost or destroyed. On the other hand, if you are a lover of having things written in black and white, then I must say you are not alone. Writing on paper might seem old fashioned but it isn’t. It is still very effective. You can get a diary from bookshops, stationery stores or even make one to your taste, if you know about craft.

Do not force yourself to write like a professional if you are not.

You are your own reader. Just write and be consistent. Pick a convenient time to write. You can set a reminder to this effect. The more you write, the more exciting it becomes. This can also help in improving your writing abilities.

Device a means to make you love your diary.

Writing in a diary can be boring at times, especially on days when you do not have any motivation to write. Here are ways to make you fall in love with your diary:

• Buy a diary that catches your fancy. If you are making one yourself, customize it to taste. And for the electronic type, make sure you like the features of the app before downloading it. These will make you love your diary before you even start writing.
• See it as your chat partner. Some people even give their diary a name, just to create that cordial feeling between them. Just device a means that will always bring you back to writing in your diary.
• Be creative. You can pick different colours of ink to express your emotions. You can draw, use pictures or even attach objects of memories to the pages if you like.
• Do not bottle in your feelings. Just let them flow. Your diary won’t judge you and that, is the beauty of it. You have the liberty to express yourself without holding back.

Note that keeping a diary can be therapeutic. So, do you wish to get things off your mind or get better in writing? Try keeping a diary.   Ajimuda Evelyn Temitayo is a writer, a poet and a blogger. She is a creative who brings imaginations alive.