Show, don't tell

If you want to reap the full benefits of journal writing, focus on the details. Remember the writing adage: show, don’t tell. Your writing needs to appeal to the five senses: touch, smell, taste, hearing, and vision. Put yourself back into the experience until you are actually re-experiencing the event and then write!

Compare the following versions of the same event:

August 4, 2009 - Deep Sea Fishing Trip (boring “tell” version)

We went deep sea fishing today. It was a lot of fun. The boat was rocky going out to sea but not so bad once we anchored. I caught two keepers and had to throw back the rest. Lunch was good. Grandpa came too.

  

August 4, 2009 - Deep Sea Fishing Trip (exciting “show” version)

We went deep sea fishing out of Gloucester with Grandpa. I picked him up at 3:30am and we drove in the pitch dark to the dock. We boarded the ship and the captain fired up the engine. I could feel the massive diesel engine’s vibrations through my feet and legs. The passengers seemed excited as the ship pulled out of its dock but forty minutes later the waves were five feet high and many people were hanging over the back of the boat getting sick. Once the ship was anchored and the waves calmed, we began fishing. Grandpa caught some decent cod and haddock using his trusty jigs and lures. I caught a monkfish, a jagged-toothed monstrosity that looked as if it was from the prehistoric days. The ship had a galley with soda, chips, and grill. They had the freshest seafood stew you could ever imagine; some of the fish in the stew was caught that morning! It was simmering in a large worn pot. On the ride back to port, Grandpa and I shared a few cold beers and reviewed some of the battles we waged with today’s fish.  

As you probably noticed, the second excerpt contains plenty of juicy details that made the entry come to life. One of the wonderful things about keeping a journal is that you can re-experience important moments in your life whenever you want. You don’t have to write a lot; a few sentences can capture the essence of a day if you include details that elicit emotions. Start writing a daily journal today and be on the lookout for the everyday magic in your life.

“Don't tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.” 

- Anton Chekhov

Start a Daily Journal!

“In a tough economy, one job posting can receive as many as 700 applications,’’ said Freedman. “People vastly underestimate how long a job search can take, especially with other responsibilities. Getting a job is a full-time job. You need to water the plant every day, versus dumping a bucket of water on it once a week.’’
- Elizabeth Freedman, a career and workplace consultant who is also the author of “Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself."

I was drawn to Ms. Freedman's comment about watering the plant everyday, as opposed to, dumping a bucket of water on something you are cultivating. Watering a plant is directed, specific, careful, and done with attention and mindfulness. Dumping a bucket on something is haphazard and quick; devoid of intention. 

Start keeping a journal and you will begin watering that flower regularly. Write at least a few sentences every day. As your go through your day, take mental snapshots of unique moments and thoughts: being aware of a hot shower, a song on the radio that speaks to you, or a funny quote from a child or just something that's humorous in your day. Maybe you picked up a book on Indian cooking and now you're planning to pick up a neat new spice to incorporate into your cooking. Write about it!

Here are some possible questions to get you thinking:
What is something that was ridiculous about today?
What is something I thought about today that I haven't thought of for years?
What annoyed me?
What made me smile?