Hi Josh! It can be a long process to get in touch with your feelings, but you are on the right path. As you journal about the days events, just take a minuted to slow it down and imagine how you were feeling when you were doing what you were doing. Ask yourself things like "What was I thinking about?" "Was I comfortable doing this, or was I uncomfortable?" and then "Why or why not?" As you start to have these kinds of conversations with yourself about these things, it will help you begin to get in touch with your feelings.

Maybe you can start by journaling about the post you made here. Did it feel comfortable for you to do it? Were you nervous? If so, why? If you felt nervous because you thought you were asking a "stupid question", then ask yourself why? What did you think was stupid about the question? Why does it matter if others who visit this site think your question was stupid? Pretty soon you will be pouring out all kinds of feelings.

And just for the record, I did not think your question was stupid. I am a firm believer in journals. I keep one myself, and it takes time and practice to use them to be a real benefit. I hope you keep coming back here with questions, or to share your experiences to help others!!!

Sincerely,

Mal

have you ever read or written poetry ?
it probly sounds lame but i dont care...when i write in my journal i act like im writting every little thought, every emotion, every little scream i feel building up. lol sometimes i actually write down "grrrrrrrrr" and ""big scream" all over her!" and sometimes i write in ryme and some times its compleat gibbersh writen up side down an kroked and so NO-ONE else could ever figure out what it says and sometimes when i go back and read it i dont know what it was sappost to say but thats o kay because it only serves its perpose at the time and then some times it looks like a schedule and thats okay i love not making cence...
ps it okay if you cant spell...(like me)

Josh, why don't you start with a list of adjectives. anger, pain, disappointment, love, happiness, joy, frustration, hate, like, comfort, peace,anxiety, itchyness, tense,secure,yada yada yada. and go from there, make a list of words and what they mean to you that day, even a plus or minus sign, its a great way to really get in touch with emotions. Might take some of the dry ness out of what you write, but as you write, and realize the emotions you feel, it might be easier if you identify with an adjective that can help you formulate what you are feeling.

hey josh, I've been keeping a journal for a while. I just do it to release everything that is running through my mind. Who cares if it sounds like a 'news report.' Don't be afraid to be yourself. Sometimes you want to hold back...:)

I have been keeping a journal since i was 12. There are no rules to journal writing. Just write whatever . sometimes i write a shoping list in my journal, sometimes I draw. Usually when i just write something, or put the pen to the paper words seem to write themselves..Don't worry about gramer or spelling just do it. All the good stuff comes out when you look back on it!!!so make sure to put dates on it.........
It looks like every journal writer feels the same.