What Is Journaling and How Can It Help You Learn English?
This week's post has been written by Shiuan. Shiuan is originally from Taiwan and now lives in Hawaii, USA, so this blog post is written in American English. I really like Shiuan's idea of keeping a daily journal and I think it's a fabulous way for you guys to create a habit of writing in English each day. Sarah x
Aloha! (This is how we greet people in Hawaii)
My name is Shiuan and I'm the Creator of Journaling Sisters, an online community of women who love journaling and creativity. Journaling is the act of writing in a journal (diary) each day to record your thoughts, feelings, emotions and wishes for the future. It's really a place that's just for you! In addition to being creative and connecting with oneself, journaling is also a great way to practice using English every day!
This is how you can create this easy-to-do writing habit each day: Firstly, just writing in any notebook that's just lying around will not do! Buy yourself a special journal or notebook that you love. Choose a nice pen too, or perhaps you'd like to choose a pack of different coloured pens. Then you just write in that journal - every day if possible. This space is just for you to share your thoughts. Some people like to do it at the same time each day, for example, just before bedtime. Some people like to add sketches or photos - it's really up to you.
Let me tell you why journaling is so important to me. I was born in Taipei, Taiwan about 30+ years ago. I came to the U.S. (Maine) at age six where I joined my mom and new dad. I lived in the U.S. until age 12 where we moved back to Taipei again. That was a very traumatic time for me. By then I had already become almost fully assimilated Americanized kid. I had already forgotten most of my Chinese.
Throughout this stressful time, I kept a journal. I don't remember anyone encouraging me, but I started at age six and just never stopped. Sure, I took breaks here and there. But it's been the one consistent theme in my life throughout all the many, many changes in my life. Throughout all of the ups and downs, it's been a steady source of strength.
That's why I'm so passionate about journaling!
Here are a couple of pages from my own journal.
Journaling helps us connect back to ourselves. It helps us sort through our feelings, and many times, we have new discoveries about ourselves or our problems as well. Have I convinced you to give journaling a try yet? I hope so! At least, it will certainly help improve your English skills! What have you got to lose?
Click HERE to sign up to immediately receive a download of 10 Inspiring Journaling Prompts for the Beginner!
Follow me on Facebook here and Instagram here.
Shiuan Butler, Creator, Journaling Sisters
I hope this blog was useful. If you think your friends would like it, please send it to them or share it on Facebook. Thank you.
Would you like my WhatsApp number and like to exchange WhatsApp voice messages with me about English? To get it, join my video courses here. I hope to become your teacher and talk to you on WhatsApp!
You can also get my free phrasal verb mini-course and my free speaking skills mini-course here.
Make sure you follow me on Instagram where I post daily videos and join my free Facebook study group where I set daily tasks and give you corrections.
I also provide Skype classes for children and adults. Email me for more information.
If you have any questions at all, contact me at info@teatime-english.com
Good luck with your English!
Sarah x