I also love writing lists, especially when I'm spiralling or not OK. I write lists to help me find my way through difficult moments. The first thing on almost every list is 'make list' and then when I'm done, I can go back to the top of the list and immeadiately tick something off. It brings me an inordinate amoung of satisfaction.
Dear Adina, I am so sorry that you were parents raided your journal. It's no wonder that you have an aversion to journaling, because that's a massive violation.
I don't journal because I have zero faith in my ability to keep the journals truly private, for similar reasons
Thank you, Mike. After all these years I still got sad remembering it.
I’m with you 💯 on the privacy issue. I’d never trust that no one will ever read what I write, which would make me censor a lot, which would defeat the purpose.
I'm a list-maker through and through, but with writing (emails 99% of the time) for anything over a single sentence I will usually write, rewrite and re-order paragraphs a few times, beyond the length of time that the response really needs - often it could have been resolved with a phone call, but I like the 'audit trail' aspect of email comms.
One pattern I have is that I'll commonly move the final paragraph to be the first. I am also pretty ruthless at slashing word count (especially with other people's verbose powerpoints), my rule being halve the words, then halve them again. I also use AI to refactor longer emails.
I often think of the cautionary "Fresh Fish Caught Today" anecdote. A fishmonger puts up a sign that reads “Fresh Fish Caught Today” and someone suggests trimming it:
“Fresh Fish Today” – the word “caught” is unnecessary.
I’m a word slasher too!! (not that my Substack would convince you of that 😅). And I also take my time when writing emails, which I see as an investment - there’s usually little back-and-forth for clarification etc. after I’ve sent one.
Whatever works for you - that’s one of my mantras.
My version of journalling is using a mind map, so somewhere between a journal and a list? I find it helps me tidy my mind, realise my priorities and breathe a little easier! Usually that becomes a list for the day to day.
I journal avidly. It helps me process childhood trauma and serves as fodder for my newsletter on trauma recovery. I have journals going back decades. It's great to revisit younger versions of myself. I have a friend who loves making lists. Whatever helps!!
Whatever helps, indeed! Tbh I envy anyone who's had a strong journaling habit throughout their life - imagine being 80 and reading what you wrote in your 20s, or your children reading your journals after you're gone 🥹. I'm really glad it's helping you.
Same. I make so many lists, and sublists, and sublists for those sublists lists. It helps me to not only organize my thoughts but also to process my emotions.
Sublists probably deserve an article of their own. I find it so much easier to go deep into a topic via lists and sublists than through free style writing or conversation.
Thanks for sharing, Adina! Your lists and in general all your written work was always impeccable when we worked together. I remember vividly how I envied you for that superpower initially, and how well we partnered when we joined forces. I never knew the story behind it. ❤️
I also love writing lists, especially when I'm spiralling or not OK. I write lists to help me find my way through difficult moments. The first thing on almost every list is 'make list' and then when I'm done, I can go back to the top of the list and immeadiately tick something off. It brings me an inordinate amoung of satisfaction.
It makes me feel good just reading this! :):) Glad they work for you as well.
Dear Adina, I am so sorry that you were parents raided your journal. It's no wonder that you have an aversion to journaling, because that's a massive violation.
I don't journal because I have zero faith in my ability to keep the journals truly private, for similar reasons
Thank you, Mike. After all these years I still got sad remembering it.
I’m with you 💯 on the privacy issue. I’d never trust that no one will ever read what I write, which would make me censor a lot, which would defeat the purpose.
I'm a list-maker through and through, but with writing (emails 99% of the time) for anything over a single sentence I will usually write, rewrite and re-order paragraphs a few times, beyond the length of time that the response really needs - often it could have been resolved with a phone call, but I like the 'audit trail' aspect of email comms.
One pattern I have is that I'll commonly move the final paragraph to be the first. I am also pretty ruthless at slashing word count (especially with other people's verbose powerpoints), my rule being halve the words, then halve them again. I also use AI to refactor longer emails.
I often think of the cautionary "Fresh Fish Caught Today" anecdote. A fishmonger puts up a sign that reads “Fresh Fish Caught Today” and someone suggests trimming it:
“Fresh Fish Today” – the word “caught” is unnecessary.
“Fresh Fish” – no one sells day-old fish
“Fish” – why would it not be “fresh”?
Eventually, no sign at all – “they can smell it!”
LOL. I *love* the fish tale :):).
I’m a word slasher too!! (not that my Substack would convince you of that 😅). And I also take my time when writing emails, which I see as an investment - there’s usually little back-and-forth for clarification etc. after I’ve sent one.
Whatever works for you - that’s one of my mantras.
My version of journalling is using a mind map, so somewhere between a journal and a list? I find it helps me tidy my mind, realise my priorities and breathe a little easier! Usually that becomes a list for the day to day.
Mind maps are awesome! I'm glad to see more evidence for the fact that writing for our mental health isn't limited to just conventional journaling :)
I journal avidly. It helps me process childhood trauma and serves as fodder for my newsletter on trauma recovery. I have journals going back decades. It's great to revisit younger versions of myself. I have a friend who loves making lists. Whatever helps!!
Whatever helps, indeed! Tbh I envy anyone who's had a strong journaling habit throughout their life - imagine being 80 and reading what you wrote in your 20s, or your children reading your journals after you're gone 🥹. I'm really glad it's helping you.
Same. I make so many lists, and sublists, and sublists for those sublists lists. It helps me to not only organize my thoughts but also to process my emotions.
Sublists probably deserve an article of their own. I find it so much easier to go deep into a topic via lists and sublists than through free style writing or conversation.
The disappearance of your notebook...like losing a new friend. Good piece, Adina!
Thank you, Jan 💛
Thanks for sharing, Adina! Your lists and in general all your written work was always impeccable when we worked together. I remember vividly how I envied you for that superpower initially, and how well we partnered when we joined forces. I never knew the story behind it. ❤️
Aww 🥹. I never thought any of it was any good until you and a few very supportive others taught me to believe in myself 💛💛💛
I’m so glad you got something of value from it, Deborah! Your feedback means a lot so thank you.