Journal Headshot
Copyright 2006 Writer's Eye Advisory Service
A journal headshot (a short entry) provides a quick picture of
yourself at anytime of the day. You can use it as a quick check
of where you are during a break. You can also use it as a
beginning journal entry, if you are just starting to journal.
You can also write a series of journal headshots for a week or
so. Then reread them and see if you discover any patterns in
your thoughts, feelings, actions or perceptions. Keep this
exercise handy for use at any time.
By following the directions you can cover several key areas
without going into too much detail. After you finish one journal
headshot. You can choose one answer and write through another
headshot. This is a very flexible journal exercise. So grab your
journal or a pen and paper and start writing.
Here are the general directions:
1) Write a sentence or phrase for each category listed below.
2) If you become stuck for words, use the word images included
in each category to help you find some good ideas.
3) At the end of your entry, remember to record the
month/day/year/time and location of your entry.
-------- Describe yourself using the following categories:
1) I am feeling_________. (Word images: Deep blue water, cool
ocean breeze, raindrops outside a window, ticking of a clock, or
the clean fur of your pet dog)
2) I am thinking________. (Use word images to think about:
buildings, community, attitudes, housing, workshops, churches,
synagogues or museums)
3) I am working_________. (Useful word images: designing,
memorizing, writing, learning, studying or listening)
4) I am doing________. (Useful word images: chores, gardening,
sports workout, reading or working on a hobby)
5) I am hearing______________. Useful word images: music, water
running, a car engine running, a baby crying, or someone moaning)
6) I am giving________________. (Useful images: helping an older
person, picking up a baby, bringing in fresh flowers, singing a
song, playing a musical instrument or hugging a friend)
7) I am serving______________. (Useful word images: food to the
hungry, collecting clothes for the poor, writing a check to a
charity, packing toys for a toy drive, or creating ornaments for
a community tree)
8) I am intuiting_________. (Useful word images: my pet's
conversation, my partners' reaction, my child's mood, my first
response or the look on my friends' face)
9) I am tasting___________. (Useful word images: sweet n' sour
soup, super hot chili, sweet iced tea, carrot cake, chocolate
chip ice cream, a banana, sugar-free gum or macaroni and cheese)