Diaries vs Journals
Understanding the subtle differences
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Dear Friend
How are you feeling today? How are you REALLY feeling today? It’s ok to be in a mood, sad or fed up. I’m feeling all the feels today because I’m still missing my Getaway Cabin (I’ll be writing all about it in tomorrows newsletter, so be sure to tune in, especially if you love tiny cabins in the woods, you crave a couple of days of solitude and a quirky places to escape to write).
Recently, I’ve been listening to a lot of podcasts interviewing writers about whether they keep a “diary” or a “journal.” Whether they prefer one or the other. Which made me question, is there a difference and what are the differences? Because I tend to journal the majority of the time, but notice that my journal can sometimes become more diary like. It all depends on what I’ve experienced throughout the day, and where my writing takes me.
I know this much, that “diary” and “journal” might seem interchangeable, but they each carry a distinct connotation and purpose. Today I’d like to you to join me as I delve into the subtle differences between diaries and journals, exploring the significance of each and why both enhance our writing practice.
“My diary is the sole companion of my thoughts.” David Sedaris
Typically a dairy is seen as a record of daily events and experiences. It captures the minutiae of one’s day, from the mundane tasks of domestic life to significant occurrences or special events. For me diaries are personal and intimate. Capturing events that shape my day to day.
Whereas a journal tends to focus more on introspection and exploring the inner self. In my journal I tend to include accounts of my daily activities, but I mostly delve into my emotions, thoughts and what I tend to be reflecting on. In my journal, I’m processing any deep thinking, allowing some of my darkest thoughts, dreams, desires and frustrations on the page. This is why whenever I’m asked, why I journal every single day, it’s because… I journal so I can make sense of my life.
“I write entirely to find out what I’m thinking, what I’m looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear.” Joan Didion
When does a diary become a journal?
In my experience, the transition between a diary and a journal can be fluid. When a diary entry shifts from merely recording events to exploring your own emotions and thought behind those events, it then begins to take on the characteristics of a journal. And actually, when your journal entry primarily details the specifics of your day without much introspection, it can resemble a diary.
Do you keep a diary, or a journal or both?
Have you ever considered if there was a real difference between writing in your diary or in your journal?
Does the distinction even matter?
I don’t think so, in my humble opinion, I think a journal is the “new diary”, like being 50 is the new 40! Both forms offer unique benefits and can be tailored to suit your individual needs. Some days you’ll naturally prefer to document the dramas in your day or dive deeper in to how those dramas have affected you. The key is to maintain a consistent writing practice that boosts your health and wellbeing.
“I write to define myself - an act of self-creation - part of the process of becoming” Susan Sontag
Lots of people roll their eyes at me when I preach about the importance of daily writing. I stand my ground. I have experienced profound effects personally and witnessed it with women who’ve attended my therapeutic journaling workshops. Making the effort to write daily whether in your journal or diary offers numerous psychological and emotional benefits…
Enhanced self-awareness - having a consistent writing habit will help you become more attuned to your thoughts, feeling and behaviours.
Stress relief - writing about your day and emotions can serve as a therapeutic outlet for stress and anxiety. For example, my Rage on a Page programme was created specifically for helping women learn how to channel her emotions into something more positive and creative.
Memory preservation - on the days I don’t have the energy to journal, I quickly remind myself that my journal is my book of memories, good, bad and ugly memories. It’s a record of my life and one that I’ll cherish.
Personal growth - reflective journaling, in particular, fosters personal growth by encouraging deeper understanding and insight, when we least expect it.
“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect” Anais Nin
If you’re in the mood to grab your journal and write for 10 minutes or so, here are some prompts that should help you navigate between diary and journal modes…
1. Describe your day in detail, focusing on a moment that stood out to you.
2. Reflect on a recent challenge and explore the emotions you felt.
3. Write about a person who made a significant impact on your day.
4. Explore a recurring thought or feeling you’ve had recently.
5. Document a dream you had and analyse its potential meanings.
Ultimately, the distinction between a diary and a journal is less significant than the act of writing itself. By embracing the fluidity between diary and journal entries, you’ll start to create a powerful and versatile tool for navigating your thoughts and emotions.
Enjoy!
Tomorrow I’m going to write about "My Getaway Cabin” A 24hr retreat for one. I’ll be sharing my experience of how I embraced solitude in a tiny cabin, hidden in the countryside of West Wales. What’s super exciting is that I have exclusive access to this writing nook, that I’ll be able to share with my Ease Retreats guests. I think you’ll love it!
Until the next time
Take care and stay safe xx
I keep a ‘One line a day’ diary, it’s really fun to look back and see what you were doing on that day in years past. Emotions sometimes creep in to.
I like your distinction between diary and journal. I think back on my 7th grade diary where I listed what we did on a holiday, what presents I received on my birthday, and what boy I liked that week!
I've been with my husband for 37 years so he's the only love I write about now in my journal! To me a journal encompasses the day to day as well as the sensory details to thicken the memory if you desire to go back and relive a special moment.
Then reflecting on my day, what I did, what did I learn, How did I feel from the beginning of the day to the end and what impacted my book. My journal is my pause place where I can release emotions, ponder problems, let out anger but also take note of what matters.
My journal is a reflection of me so the more I write in it and the more varied my observations and reflections, the healthier I feel on all levels.
So enjoying your publication! Appreciate you!