Whether you want to start, continue or complete your journal in 2013 here are 5 journaling resolutions to kick off the New Year.

1. KEEP YOUR JOURNAL VISIBLE

Put your journal somewhere where you will see it so that you remember to write in it.  If you shove it in the bottom of a drawer you might forget about it.  Allow yourself some quality time to complete it with your favourite drink.


2. REFLECT YOUR PERSONALITY
Some of the ways people personalise their journal is by adding extras, like film or theatre ticket stubs, receipts, flower petals etc; sticking in old photographs; making sketches or drawings; writing poems; or adding quotations.  Get out those old photographs and memorabilia that you have stashed away and get sticking.
3. MAKE YOUR MARK
Write with a ball point pen, pencils and fountain pens can fade and it would be such a shame to loose your written memories.  If you can't answer a question make bullet points or add a photo. Don't worry about spelling mistakes, your handwriting or even using the same pen - it's what you write that really counts.
4. SHARE YOUR VULNERABILITIES & WISDOM
Vulnerability originates from sharing information most people want to hide: fears, mistakes, regrets etc. Wisdom often comes from the learning these vulnerabilities give us. It's OK to share them in your journal
5. TAKE YOUR TIME AND HAVE FUN

Enjoy the process, share you memories as you go along, ask others what they remember and perhaps fill in a few pages with your loved ones. You don't have to complete it all at the same time.  Make a few notes on post-its and stick them in the relevant sections and come back to it later. Sometimes it is good to go away and reflect on your thoughts before you commit them to paper. If your journal was given to you as a gift then the person who gave it to you is really interested in hearing about you and your story, so it is worth taking the time and effort to complete it.