These days, a lot of us journalers keep blogs as well. You may find yourself journaling less frequently when you’re blogging regularly, because you think journaling and blogging are pretty much the same thing. Don’t make that mistake.
Journaling and blogging are two different animals. While they might be distant relatives, they’re not from the same species. Here are five reasons why.
1. Journaling is private, and blogging is public.
Even if you’re comfortable sharing the most intimate details with strangers, what you write on your blog will differ from what you write in your journal. When you blog, you know that other people can read what you write, from your crazy ex to your conservative grandmother. What you publish on a blog takes on a life of its own.
With journaling, there’s no need to edit yourself. You can dissect your deepest insecurities or sing your own praises. You can share anything completely honestly, even if it sounds ludicrous and you change your mind the next instant. No one but you has to know.
2. Journal entries can take any shape, whereas blog posts are generally organized.
When you write for an audience, you have to articulate your thoughts in a way that someone else will understand. You use complete sentences, proper punctuation, and thematic paragraphs. You write a catchy headline to sum up your main idea.
When you write for yourself, on the other hand, you can throw organization and clarity out the window. You can use as many curse words as you like or make references that only you will understand. You can make lists or sketches, jump from one topic to another, or even write in stream of consciousness style.
3. What comes out when you let your ink flow on the page is different than what you type on a screen.
Have you ever typed a letter to someone and felt as if you were writing a book report instead? I’ll bet that your words come out more polished and professional when you type them onto a computer screen than when you jot them onto paper.
For journal entries, as for letters and poems, only handwriting will do. There’s something about putting the pen to the page that’s akin to an ancient ritual. Handwriting entries trigger subconscious thoughts and memories in a way that typing does not.
4. Journaling is much more straightforward than blogging.
Blogging requires some degree of technical knowledge. They often feature images, hyperlinks, categories, tags, and SEO optimized content. It’s no wonder that some bloggers find it difficult to post regularly -- there are a lot of factors to worry about.
A pen and a blank sheet of paper, on the other hand, is all you need to start journaling. What emerges onto the page may be complex, but the act of journaling couldn’t be simpler.
5. Journaling is strictly non-competitive and non-commercial.
When you blog, you are probably hoping to attract readers. You want to write something that will stand out among the literally millions of blogs on the web today. You may also structure your writing around a product or service that you feature.
With journaling, there is no one to impress and no one to outdo. You don’t need to put a shiny spin on anything, because you’re the only customer that you need to satisfy.
While blogging can get you in the habit of regular written reflection, it is absolutely no substitute for journaling. Even if you keep a blog, make sure that you’re taking the time to journal and connect with your most loyal reader: you.
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