My Reasons and Rules for Journaling

Reasons Why I Journal

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1. I'm obsessed with self-improvement and journaling is a form of self-improvement.
2. It keeps me accountable because it forces me to identify and confront what I'm not following through on.
3. I'm terrified of forgetting things. Having a journal means having a second brain where I can preserve history. Before I started writing, all my days would blur together (do you remember what happened 2 days ago?). I want to record everything that happened during the day: my worries, the deep thoughts I have, how I felt, my mundane activities, and really everything. But for the most part, I want to know who I was at that time.
4. Putting thoughts on paper makes me introspect and reflect which helps me find areas of improvement.
5. Part of becoming a good storyteller is becoming a good story collector.
6. My thoughts and feelings, usually a jumbled mess, are forced to be organized and coherent. This means I have to articulate my thoughts and feelings in a way that should make sense.
7. As part of introspection, I'm forced to confront my emotional and mental health. Mental health is important to me and journaling is a way to keep track of my mental health. It's also therapeutic because it's a way to release pent-up emotions and thoughts—a coping strategy if you will.
8. Writing day to day helps identify patterns and triggers of negative behaviors.
9. Journaling allows me an outlet to express my thoughts and feelings in a way that I can't do with other people.
10. It gives me a platform to set goals and track progress.
11. The act of journaling itself requires discipline and consistency. By attempting to journal every day, I'm practicing self-discipline which will help me in other areas of my life.
12. My journal is also like a blog in that I can share my process on the way I go about solving problems, especially technical ones. I can also share my thoughts on various topics like politics, sociology, rhetoric and more.
13. I want to carve out a space for myself online and have it exist for a long time. I'm proud to say that this little corner of the internet is mine.
14. I want to improve my writing. Journaling regularly gives me the chance to practice independently, unlike school assignments.

Rules for Journaling

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1. I will avoid using specific details such as precise locations and identifiable personal information to protect privacy and maintain confidentiality.
2. When it is necessary to include personal information, I will obtain written consent before divulging any personal details.
3. I will NOT share anything that could embarrass or harm friends, family, colleagues or places.
4. I will avoid writing statements that could be considered defamatory or libelous.
5. I will ensure that any information shared does not have negative professional implications. While I may use informal language and expletives, I will:
   • Not disclose proprietary or confidential information about my workplace or colleagues.
   • Avoid criticizing my employer, colleagues, or workplace in a way that could be damaging or unprofessional.
   • Reflect on how my entries could be perceived by future employers or colleagues.
   • Ensure that my entries align with my professional image.
6. Upon request, I will promptly remove or alter overly personal or sensitive information to respect the privacy and concerns of others. I will document such requests and confirm the changes made.
7. All entries are my own thoughts and opinions. They do not represent the thoughts or opinions of any organization or group I am affiliated with.
8. I will regularly review my entries (at least once every three months) to ensure they comply with these rules. I will update or remove content if necessary and document any significant changes made during these reviews.
9. I will seek legal advice periodically to ensure my journaling practices are compliant with current laws.
10. In case of any conflicts arising from my journal entries, I will address them directly and respectfully, seeking to resolve issues amicably.