The average text is 20 words, and the average sentence is about 10 words. The average person sends about 40 to 50 texts daily, and that’s something like 800 to 1000 words a day! Not everyone is the same, I know, but texting is a part of life. If you can text you can journal.
Why we should journal
Since we’ve gotten pretty good at conveying our message with very few words I say, apply this to writing a journal. To start, go for what would be a long text and shoot for 20 to 30 words for your first journal entry. Type it—or write it—somewhere for only your eyes to see.
So what are you waiting for?
Here are some outcomes that could come from journaling:
- It can help bring some clarity to our life.
- It can be a trusted place to share our deepest thoughts and emotions.
- You’ll love it. Enjoy recording your life and go to it often for self-reflection or to make plans based on it.
- It can help you understand yourself more fully.
- It’s a place where you can “try out” your ideas without anyone judging them.
- It’s a place where you can be completely open and honest with yourself.
Why we don’t journal
We hesitate to write down what’s important to us because it can be daunting—not our life necessarily, but all the rules and guidance that come with journaling. I did my research, and I have found what seems to be a whole matrix to guide folks to write anything from novels and poetry to to-do lists.
Rules are important, but not with journaling. I encourage a bit more freewheeling approach. The idea, in my mind, is to make it easy and enjoyable. I would love to see more folks write—and read.
A journal is about jotting down our moments, our thoughts and feelings. That’s a good place for us to start.
Back to texting/journalling…here’s an example of what I mean:
Monday, January 6, 2025
Today started with high expectations. Then my car didn’t start and was stuck at home. So bummed out but ended up starting my journal instead.
Or
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
My day started with dreading each hour. Later Nathan asked for my help with redecorating ideas for his apartment. Our ideas just popped up from nowhere. So much fun!
Or
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Thinking about asking Nathan out but maybe it’s too soon. Got to think about it. I got my car to start and went out with friends and had a blast.
WARNING: Do not think your entries in your journal need to read like Sylvia Plath, Franz Kafka, John Green, or any of the other thousand famous writers, scientists, explorers, or famous people we have heard of who have written journals. This is your life—give it some love.
Evolution of our Entries
As we write about whatever we want to write about from our day, we will see our entries evolve. How? That’s up to you. You may find that you go from 30 words to 60. Also, you may find begin to focus on only one part of your day. You may decide to write only how you feel about your day. It could lead to ideas and thoughts about your future.
It’s about the moment- your moment
In addition to the outcomes I shared above, I think it is an opportunity to document moments of your life: the good ones, maybe the ones we spent with others, and even a few not-so-great moments. It is who we are.
Our lives are seldom about one gigantic event, but it is about the stinging together of moments, both significant and ordinary. Your journal may be more helpful to you in the future than today as our minds get more cluttered by so much that isn’t really important, however, what you have to say and the moments that help define you are of ultimate importance.
Aiden, a character in my novel, Cutting of Harp Strings, put it this way:
“… Hey, no one’s perfect. I just look for the perfect moment, not the perfect person, and that includes when I’m looking at myself.”
I say go for the freewheeling approach to journaling. You know what’s best. Let your texting be your guide. If You Can Text, You Can Journal
About E.G. Kardos
I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write. Here’s more about me and my books.
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