HCA Journal ACTIVITY JO-1
“Five Starting Thoughts When You’re Stumped”
Did you know? Agatha Christie, one of the world’s most prolific writers, used to sit in her bathtub and munch on apples while plotting her best sellers.
Instructions: Select a thought and then … write about it.
Choose from one of the topics listed below. (Please use a blank HCA Notes Page provided).
“Today, I am grateful for … .”
“Right now, I am feeling … .”
“Three things I know for sure are … .”
“I have faith and believe that … .”
“My life is missing … .”

©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2006

HCA Journal HANDOUT H-1
“Some Very Good Reasons to Keep A Journal”
You may be thinking that journaling is not right for you because you don’t like to write. Well, why don’t you give it a try! You don’t have to write a lot every day—just a little bit. At the end of year won’t it be fun to go back to read and share some of your thoughts and ideas.
Great way to remember things that happened to you in your life so you can reflect on how much you’ve grown.
Can help you understand who you are and the things that matter most to you.
When you write about how you feel, it can help in managing your emotions. Write them down first.
Journaling can help you discover hidden talents such as creativity.
When your life is a mess, you can always write about it even if you don’t feel like talking about it.
Journaling can be a great way to chill and it helps to put things into different perspective.
Adapted from: Life Lists for Teens

©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2006

HCA Journal ACTIVITY JO-2
“My Favorite Memory”
Instructions: Write for 5 minutes about a favorite memory.
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©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2006

HCA Journal HANDOUT H-2
“So, Why Write?”
Listed below are 12 very good reasons to keep a journal. Try it today!
Writing helps you discover who you are.
Writing can help you believe in yourself and raise your self-esteem
Wnen you write, you hear your own unique voice.
Writing shows what you can give the world.
As you write, you seek answer to questions and find new questions to ask.
Writing enhances your creativity.
You can share yourself with others through writing.
Writing gives you a place to release anger, fear, sadness, a nd other painful feelings.
You can help heal yourself through writing.
Writing can bring you joy and a way to express it.
Writing can make you feel more alive.
You can discover your dreams through writing.
Adapted from: Life Lists for Teens

©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2006

HCA Journal HANDOUT H-3
“Fifteen Points to Great Journaling!”
Skip the first page. There’s no rule that says you have to start on the first page!
A greeting or introduction helps to set the stage for a commitment. You will be sharing a lot of personal thoughts—Your journal will become your new best friend.
Is there someone you wish to honor? Many books are dedicated. Perhaps you’d like to dedicate your journal writing to an inspirational person in your life.
Describe how you obtained your journal. Was it a gift or a transition point in your life?
Leave a few blank pages in the front for a table of contents then you can number the pages of your journal for reference.
Set goals. Think about what you want to do and where you want to be. Outline your goals in your journal then you can be reminded of them every time you open your journal.
Record birthdays and special occasions in your journal on a reference page.
Create your own mission statement. What do you want to do? What are priorities in your life? What legacy do you want to leave?
Faith. You can write a favorite scripture or affirmation in your journal that says who you are and what you believe.
Be creative! You can write lyrics to songs, draw pictures, write a poems, have a theme, etc.
Keep up with current news events in your journal. What’s shaping YOUR generation.
Family tree diagram. This will be fun to look at later in life!
Write a letter to a friend or loved one. Maybe someone who inspired you. Or someone you’re grateful for.
Paste snapshots of yourself, favorite movie you went to see, concert.
Cluster your ideas around the word “journal.” What does it mean to you to keep a journal?
Adapted from Writers Digest, Personal Journaling, 2003.

©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2006

HCA Journal HANDOUT H-4 Mind Mapping Technique
“A Picture’s Worth 1,000 Words”
This Powerful graphic technique is called a “word spider” in the United Kingdom. Mind mapping is a creative way to organize ideas, thoughts, images, and color on paper. Begin by drawing a circle in the middle of your paper and write your topic on the inside of the circle.

Record a single even or a whole day of events.
Use after training event to transfer short term thoughts to long term memory.

Use one key word per line.
Color can be used to trigger memory.
Use images to express words.
Maps shorten journaling time.
Each line can be
different color.

Main
Topic

Use it for studying!
Use colored pencils, markers, pens, stick people.
Each idea starts a new branch.
Develop your personal style.

Make your journal whatever You want it to be!

Source: www.amanobooks.com/journaling tips

©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2006

HCA Journal ACTIVITY JO-5 Mind Mapping Technique
“A Picture’s Worth 1,000 Words”
TOPIC: COLLEGE IS FOR ME!!!

College
Is for
ME!!!

©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2006

Notes Page

©Copyright, SC AHEC, 2006