What is the difference between a journal and a diary?

Journals are often associated with diaries because they are similar, but a journal is a lot more versatile. Ultimately, it’s only a name. You could call it a journal, a notebook, or anything you want.

As opposed to a diary, a journal can be anything you want. It’s not limited to your daily events. A journal should be used as a creative outlet. You can:

Write what’s been happening in your life, but include your thoughts and feelings about it.

Record your favorite songs and quotes.

Practice writing dialogue, description, etc.

Write from a different point of view.

Express your feelings and frustrations.

Include Sketches, drawings, objects and memorabilia to express yourself further.

Write letters to people you might or might not deliver.

Be creative!

A diary is simply structure. A journal is free. If you wanted someone to create a movie about you after finding your writing 100 years from now, would you rather them create a simple timeline of your life, or create a vivid moving story of your life capturing your feelings, emotions, and true personality?

A diary is what you do. A journal is how you feel about it, how it affected you, the impressions and thoughts you had through the day, the decisions you made.

Same thing. Boys will call it a journal bcuz diary sounds too feminine. Or older women may call it a journal bcuz diary sounds too kid-ish.

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