Once again, I made a decision about writing a diary and what to use to write it.
Choice#
At the end of last month, I finished writing my second diary, and I was torn between continuing to write by hand or switching to using diary apps. On one hand, considering that I am already in the second semester of my junior year, I may not have enough free time in the future to pick up a pen and write in a diary. On the other hand, I considered the portability and storage of a diary.
Taking into account the factors mentioned above, I decided to switch to using diary apps to continue writing, but I was still undecided about which app to use. Fortunately, I only had one requirement for the app, which was to be as simple and convenient as possible. When I saw that Apple Notes supported folders and tags, I decisively chose it. I told myself to give it a try, even though it might take some time to get used to it at first, I would eventually adapt to it.
So I created a folder named "2023" in Apple Notes and entered the diary for that day before going to bed on the evening of March 29th. At first, I thought it was great. I can type at a decent speed, and within a few minutes, I recorded what I wanted to write in the notes app. Moreover, the words on the screen looked neat and beautiful. I thought to myself that I should be able to adapt to and enjoy this method.
Persistence#
However, after writing the second diary entry on March 30th, I didn't continue. It wasn't because I forgot, but rather an unconscious restraint. When I had no classes during the day, I would be in the library reading books, and at night, I would instinctively take out my diary and pen, write down the date, and start writing the diary for the day. Since I started using Apple Notes, I felt like something was missing in the evenings. It didn't feel comfortable if I didn't write something with a pen, just like how someone who loves playing pool would feel itchy if they didn't hold a cue all day. If I didn't write for a day, my hands would still itch.
Finally, on April 5th, I ordered the diary I had written before, and it arrived on April 8th. I wrote in the diary on the same day, and everything returned to normal. I asked my girlfriend to write a sentence in my diary.
A diary that costs less than 20 yuan, and it is more than enough for a year. I chose squared pages because my handwriting is not pretty, and squared paper can somewhat make my handwriting look more comfortable. I chose the A5 size, as one sheet of paper, front and back, is just enough to record my day.
Reflection#
Last year, various note-taking apps emerged like mushrooms after rain. For someone like me who has difficulty making choices, choosing the right note-taking app is even more difficult. In May, I wrote an article titled "Choose the Right Note-Taking App Based on Your Own Needs". At that time, the note-taking apps I chose were Flomo+Notion+Obsidian. Now, almost a year has passed, and the only note-taking app I am still using is Obsidian, while I have also added TiddlyWiki as a digital garden platform. There is a meme that is very apt.
That's how it is in reality. While we are still agonizing over which app to use, the smartest and dumbest people choose to use Apple Notes, which can be said to be the simplest and most straightforward option.
When I was choosing an app for writing a diary, I was the person in the middle. When I decisively chose to continue writing by hand, I became the person on the right, and perhaps in the future, I will become the person on the left. It's still my previous point of view, carefully consider your own needs, try to subtract rather than add, and avoid adding pseudo-needs to yourself.
What are the benefits of writing a diary?#
I didn't think about this question at first, but after reading a post from a user on Jike, I also want to talk about this topic. This user on Jike believes that writing a diary has brought him the following benefits:
- A diary makes his mind more organized.
- A diary allows him to travel through time.
- A diary enables him to think deeply.
- A diary makes his brain more relaxed.
Handwriting Practice#
For me, writing a diary has a practical benefit - handwriting practice.
On one hand, when I see my crooked handwriting while writing a diary, it is difficult to read, so subconsciously, I tell myself to write slower and neater. On the other hand, it reduces the occurrence of forgetting words when I pick up a pen.
Although I haven't seen much improvement in my handwriting with a pen... I still need to persist.
Recording Thoughts#
Do not underestimate the thoughts that occur to you in a moment. The best action is to record them.
When I'm walking, taking a shower, or even using the bathroom, I often get lost in thought about something. At these times, I habitually record my thoughts in the notes app on my phone and then copy them into my diary when I write. Often, a single thought can turn into hundreds of words in my diary.
Small inspirations, when processed in my mind and recorded on paper, can also become deep reflections.
Review and Self-reflection#
This is the biggest benefit I think writing a diary brings.
Self-reflection is a daily practice. Writing a diary has become a way for me to reflect. I usually record the events or experiences of the day in chronological order, as well as the people I have interacted with. From these reflections, I can examine whether the things I said or the actions I took today were inappropriate or wrong.
On a small scale, it adds weight to the diary; on a larger scale, it adds "quality" to myself.
Finally, when we finish one diary after another, we will discover a greater benefit, which is the sense of accomplishment that the diary brings us.
