Clarity from Journaling Requires Writing Complete Thoughts

"Use a picture. It's worth a thousand words." - Arthur Brisbane, at the Syracuse Advertising Men's Club in 1911.

You've heard this phrase as, "a picture is worth a thousand words". Pictures can be used to enhance the journal visually.

When writing your thoughts, you must use words. 

It's not necessary to write long entries. Beginning journalers need to write short entries. Write your entries in complete sentences with enough detail to paint a picture.

Journaling is writing your thoughts on paper. Use complete sentences regardless of your format or prompts. Complete sentences should include the details for your picture.

Here are two examples from my journal.

Example 1 - Word vs. sentence.

Thought: Gratitude- small changes

Sentence: I am grateful for small changes like clouds instead of sun. Even small changes bring a new perspective.

Example 2 - One simple sentence vs. two expanded sentences
Thought: Journaling helps me visualize.

Expanded: Journaling helps me visualize my day to come. I can visualize the possibilities around the task, the order, possible roadblocks and solutions, and the thought I need to put behind the task.

Instead of using a picture, paint a picture with your words. 

The sentences you write in your journal define and clarify your thoughts.