Foster care can be a whirlwind. New places, new faces, new routines – it's a lot to take in, even years later and I keep going back to journaling to help me process it all.
There are so many ways to do it, from classic pen and paper to fancy apps on your phone. The key is finding something you'll actually stick with.
Here's what I've learned:
Figure out what you wanna say: What's the point of your journal? Do you want to write down everything that happens each day, or just your feelings? There's no right answer – it's all about you!
Pick a way to say it: Feeling like writing? Grab a notebook and your favorite pen. Not a writing person? There are apps for that, or you can even record yourself talking!
Make it yours: The beauty of journaling is making it personal. Regular notebook? Cool! Fancy paints and brushes? Even better! You can decorate your pages with stickers, drawings, anything that speaks to you.
Don't pressure yourself: This isn't a school assignment! If a simple notebook on your nightstand works, that's awesome. Don't get hung up on fancy methods if they don't fit your life.
Set a time: Just like brushing your teeth, journaling becomes a habit when you do it regularly. Pick a time each day, even if it's just for five minutes. Make it part of your routine.
Be patient: It's not about being perfect, it's about starting and seeing where it takes you. Try journaling for 30 days straight and see how you feel.
The most important thing is finding a way to express yourself, whatever works for you.