Writing Your Day As A Story - Storytelling Through Your Diary

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A video about keeping a diary and telling better stories.
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[@eveiswriting3625]

i remember watching a documentary about virginia woolf where it was said she was adamant that writing a diary or journal entry everyday was essential because even if you thought nothing about your day was special, there was always something about it that was. i kind of like that idea because sometimes it's the simple things we take for granted in our day that can create the most interesting stories, moments or interactions we might forget about if we don't write them down

[@claudiapreda1040]

can you tell me the name of the documentary, please?

[@claudiapreda1040]

@@eveiswriting3625 thank you!!

[@unicornrainbows8612]

wow that is so interesting. thanks for sharing that statement by virginia woolf; it changed my perspective on things in simply 3 seconds (for the better)!

[@melissa4008]

you could be talking about absolutely ANYTHING and I'd still listen to you amazed

[@onehappymeal1374]

I’m gowon’s eyebrows

[@ariadnaalvarado1409]

chuuuuu

[@raghadyousf4239]

I know, right 🙃

[@ramayanaroxas5457]

My point exactly

[@mikorabago]

Absolutely! His voice definitely has that "narrator's appeal" that really drag you into his narrative - does this make sense? 😂😅

[@onehappymeal1374]

“How to put together your life-“ 😃 “-in a story” 😐

[@suchitrasridhar5313]

Well at least the story will be *spicy*

[@josecarloscamillo4890]

"This British accent isn't working" Me: Were you trying to talk in a British accent?

[@maralindevdg]

i like to just dump whatever i'm feeling or thinking in my diary without attaching any rules to it. the writing doesn't have to be pretty and i can be a complete ass if that is what i'm feeling in the moment. one entry will be something about the meaning of human existence on this planet and the next will be me complaining about life. i've come to a point where i honestly don't have clue how i'd be able to cope with anything without writing it down, both the good and the bad.

[@williamneal9076]

It's often what dreams are made of as far as I have located. It seems many are just jumbled info dumps and not some things some bits are all that much to worry over.

[@adeola1919]

that's why i have a separate personal journal to pour out my thoughts and a diary to make my life into a story

[@HS-so1yo]

Thats exactly what i do, whenever i feel emotionally exhausted i just write. Doesn’t matter if it is good or not it makes me feel a lot better

[@sambarrientos5183]

Having a Diary is like having a true friend who will never abandon you.

[@sweetpea7490]

journal*

[@cannedcheese282]

@@sweetpea7490 it doesn’t matter*

[@ruiiios]

reminds me of smth anne frank had told.

[@dramaworld4u879]

its good until other people read it 😑

[@frootyfabulous101]

..and always understand you unconditionally. 💕✨

[@Ha-ps9hj]

I always referred to my journal as a journal because diary sounded too childish but you really changed my perspective on how I can expand on my daily writing practice

[@zakiji5962]

I think you're caricaturing journals a little bit. They're amazing for developing and stretching one's thought. If you can articulate your hazy thoughts into definite shape and explore immediate questions stirring in your mind, then not only do you start to think much better, but also speak and write better. Neat journal entries become as valuable as essays.

[@nonanona6653]

Couldn't agree more. It certainly helped me.

[@daxciko]

Totally agree, not sure why he's trying to belittle something so complicated, instrospection is no easy task. Can open a can of worms the self tries to avoid out of fear.

[@arelivalentin9587]

I get my best thoughts and ideas from journaling.

[@rishabhdeb8747]

Correct me if I’m wrong but journaling can help you form and organise ideas quite well? Or does that make it a notebook?

[@zakiji5962]

@@rishabhdeb8747 Absolutely it can. Whenever I learn something important I always try to organize it in my journal. I find that, unsurprisingly, whenever I think of it again, I can usually talk better about it.

[@renno2679]

I must confess that the juxtaposition of your adorable baby face and your Morgan-Freeman's-Grandson voice alone makes your videos entertaining to watch. (I do write occasionally so I am interested in these videos but the last thing I wrote was so dastardly insane I've been afraid to write again.)

[@zainabjamshaid2101]

That’s soooooo precise 😂😂😂

[@lowercase_ash]

??? Now I want to know

[@sheikhspeare6637]

Don't worry about your stuff being bad. Keep writing and you're sure to improve.

[@Vin-sv9fm]

I was thinking about journaling yesterday and here it is Robin reading my mind again

[@motoshox]

Storytelling is an art.

[@eline_sandes]

I've been writing on diary/journal hybrids almost every day since I was 14. Every now and then I still cringe at stuff I'm writing, especially when it comes to externalizing anger, heartache, anxiety and disappointment, YET these feelings are essential when it comes to storytelling. It's not only facts, but emotions, especially negative ones, that give structure and engage people in a story. Sometimes it's the boringness of life that pulls you into becoming more creative and observative of the world around you. It's a big challenge to make meaningless events appealing with emotion and honesty, and when you master this art, it opens your eyes to see the beauty within ordinary life.

[@oriongirl6160]

It's strange how I belatedly realise that I used to keep a diary(in a rather strange sort of way). My mum ingrained into me and my brother, this habit that we'd tell her everything that happened throughout the day. Every little thing and every little detail. And overtime, subconsciously, as the events were taking place throughout the day, I was already planning out how I'm going to tell them to my mum. I'd craft every exclamation and pause precariously and deliver it to her in the evening word for word. That's my first experiences with story telling and though I suspect that even my mother wasn't aware of it back then, I'm grateful that I found something I really love to do through that small habit.

[@user-wi4se8uw1t]

i've been journaling for the past 5 years or so, and it's just been me brain dumping my thoughts and feelings (most of the time, without much planning or effort). the act is cathartic for me, and i always feel better after I've laid everything out on the pages...but i think it would be cool to start writing more 'diary'-like entries to try my hand at storytelling - thanks for this vid!

[@nataliamontelongo2781]

You took the words right out of my mouth ✨✨✨

[@sare1078]

Writing in my diary has helped me not only in terms of mental wellness but also in terms of my writing skills. they got much better ever since i started writing regularly in my diary. it’s definitely something everyone should do without caring about imperfections. love your videos and advice !!

[@gillianlingo9741]

Robin: “Now what should I do with this hot water?” Me: TEA

[@syedraidarsalan4685]

Me: pour it down the window onto a passerby's face.

[@winstonsmith77]

Tea is better than coffee.

[@gillianlingo9741]

@@winstonsmith77 I wholeheartedly agree

[@winstonsmith77]

@@gillianlingo9741 Thank you.

[@ourhaven]

@@winstonsmith77 Yes it is ! And no one dares to disagree

[@anvesha7067]

The sponsorship transition was as smooth as Baumgartner's 👀 slick af

[@zsrz4877]

Peace remained in my family, because I had a huge fight with a person in my diary. After battling out every argument on paper I became as calm as a placid lake. And peace ruled in myself and peace reigned in my family.😊

[@OstrichFan]

I like how he seems like such a stable minded person and honestly this is my goal 🥺👏

[@ledojaeger7474]

I’ve kept consistent daily journals for 7+ years, and only this year from January 1st have I attempted to do this. My journals before could be tedious, taking the form of ‘I did this, then I did this, then I did this,’ etc. but this time, I’m choosing to omit unnecessary details and write in a way that flows more seamlessly; so I’ll be able to look back and read a month as a unit.

[@zahranafisa8757]

Can you describe why it doesn't continue to just write do this and blablabla? I wanna do it this year coz i want to keep things i did. But still do journaling as it was, describe my feeling when i feel overwhelm

[@patwagner9308]

To my way of thinking, the word journal sounds more mature than the word diary. When I think of diaries, it brings to mind small lockable books kept by young kids that start "Dear Diary...." . I have kept a journal for the past 45 years. I had a diary when I was a little girl. But , when it comes down to it, call it what feels right to you.

[@RenzoM2811]

I've been writing a diary entry every day since February 11th of last year. Best decision I ever made.

[@G-Tarun]

For those story lovers who aren't into philosophy just yet but want to get started, I highly recommend Plato's dialogues-they're Plato's ideas expressed through stories of conversations that Socrates has with various people in and around Athens. It's almost like _Metropolitan Diary_ or _Passing Tales_ for ancient Athens, really-except that the stories are crafted to express some idea or the other. If you're comfortable imagining the events in any non-literary genre fiction book, or indeed any good longform news story, you should have little to no trouble in racing through the dialogues to listen in on the conversations, before you revisit them at a deeper level to grok the deeper insights. Before you read philosophy, though, make sure to build the prerequisite reading skills using _How to Read a Book_ by Mortimer J. Adler or Robin's videos on the topic. I can't emphasise enough just how tremendously helpful the techniques outlined in the book are in tacking difficult texts.

[@RCWaldun]

How To Read A Book is a must-read for all book lovers. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@korinnab.2318]

I've been feeling very anxious and lost today and I was actually watching some of your videos to calm down earlier. Then I saw you uploaded a new video just now! I've really been doubting my abilities as a writer lately so this video is absolutely perfect

[@ryanoneiljohnson8743]

I use poem's writing style in my journal to express my thoughts and significant days.

[@mfrdbigolin]

While I was thirteen-years-old I kept a digital diary for about one year and a few months (July 2017 to August 2018) that comprised about 183 pages. After watching this video, I decided to skim over some sections of this diary, my memory seemed bleached and I forgot most of the things I wrote there that were of importance at the time. I wasted most of my time, these days, playing a game called Hearts of Iron IV, nowadays I mostly do not play video-games anymore. This comment turned to be quite unstructured and I would like to write more, but now I have to sleep; I am thinking of reigniting this habit, it seems that I do not have a good long-term memory for these events, so keeping an ``offline'' registry seems to be a good fit.

[@luhsea]

This is such great advice! I tend to do the journal style just vomiting out my thoughts onto the page as my daily writing practice in the morning but after watching this video I think I might start doing a more structured diary entry about my day in the evening too. This seems like a much better way to find and develop my own narrative voice!

[@prithahalder4698]

I remember being a story-teller back in elementary school. Getting back home and telling my mother all the things I have done and seen in school!

[@Laura-bn8mx]

I used to do the same thing! I was so excited by every little event back then haha

[@pearlbellomo1176]

Recently found your channel and I feel so recognized. I finally found the thing that makes me feel so passionate yet calm. The whole culture of journaling, reading, appreciating other cultures and classic time periods, and appreciating simple things like plants, rocks, art, etc make me feel unlike anything else. Thank you for your channel and wish you so much success 💛

[@khlowdy]

Can we all just stop for a second and talk about that mug-

[@asap_tuco]

You make me want to be intelligent You make me intelligent You make me feel intelligent You make me like intelligence You are fucking brilliant, thanks for ur work.

[@dancer4448]

He makes me feel the same way! His fucking amazing!!!

[@danielaremisova1862]

I've been watching your videos for quite some time now and although I'm not really the one to write comments often, I kinda felt the need to say thank you. Few months ago, I was pacing through youtube in the art of procrastination so that I wouldn't have to face the existentional crisis of choosing a university major as an extremely indecisive human being. I'm not kidding I'm the kind of person who spends 5 minutes in the morning just deciding if I'm gonna have the coffee black or if I should 'spice it up' with some milk today. So the idea of choosing one path when you're 19 and committing yourself to it for the next few years put me into vertigo. I was torn in between studying literature or physics, I adore science and I also love stories, I grew up conpletely absorbed in various fantasy and sci-fi books and one day, it just hit me that - science is as close as you can get to real life magic, as silly as it sounds. I adore scientists - Turing, Hawking or Musk but also storytellers like Murakami, King, Hemingway and SO many others I just couldn't decide which side is more suitable for me, and that resolved into me not being able to focus on either of them for 100%. As I was watching your videos, thinking how amazing it must feel to finally find yourself, to find your passion - you said a sentence that really stuck with me - 'are you in love with the idea of the craft, or with the craft itself' and this just hit me without warning. I realised, that unfortunately my indecisive ass is not going to have an easy way out, I am indeed in love with both of those subjects. I'm on my way to persue physics and I'm determined to practise writing as well, may have to become a little more intimate with my insomnia to achieve that, but I just do not want to give it up. So, I know I'm rambling at this point, but in conclusion - thank you for helping me get through this vertigo, thank you for motivating me to keep writing.

[@gillianlingo9741]

This was beautiful. As a 16 year old who is also struggling with choosing a path I can relate to your situation.

[@zerefhabibah1743]

That's interesting i was in the same position as you are now. Right now iam doing physics in the university and trying to learn writing, phylosophy and history as well as literature. And it's becoming harder than it seem.

[@BoxOfKleenex]

I've been writing in journals almost daily since 2013. It's free therapy. It's radically changed my mental health.

[@mysweetsummerchild]

2021. The year of storytelling.

[@NapperNeru]

Just wanted to let you know that your videos are really entertaining to watch and I always end up learning something whenever I watch them! Love your videos, please don't stop doing what you do!

[@DuckieDGAF]

I always had this reversed; diary for emotions, journal for daily events log. 🤣 I do 3 pages every morning to dump emotions, then write logs in my journal. I do think I may start to use my journal like this! I love how your entry sounded and can't wait to try this!!

[@marinettesolas]

been thinking about going back to keeping a journal since it's been long when i stopped and then your videos started popping up in my suggestions and now I am obsessed and equally amazed by your mind

[@Purpelspy]

i’m gonna write my story-diary in third person to keep things fun lol

[@shriyagupta9167]

Wow!! His story was compelling! Even though nothing extraordinary happened but the way he wrote it *chef's kiss*

[@regine8154]

I used to write diary entries about my day. One time when I started writing and reached the 10k word mark - still unfinished - I stopped because I felt I was obsessing about every little thing, and it didn't feel like something I could keep up everyday (writing 15-20k word journal entries lol). Looking back now, as someone who has started writing novels, I realize that's normal. LOL. During those days, I was dating someone that I considered to be a soulmate. I felt like I was living in my own romance novel, so of course I HAD to write every single detail as if I'm writing my own novel. Hahaha. Now that I think about it maybe if I just didn't see him for a few days in between our dates I would've kept that up. And I probably would've published or adapted those journal entries into a novel by now. Maybe a series. XD

[@mutahmarriagecounselor2272]

10-20K words a day is not normal by any means (that must take HOURS!) but is quite impressive if you can pull it off.

[@Argi-em]

I walked outside. it was -20 degrees celsius but felt like -30. Felt thankful I wore my winter boots, wool socks kept my toes warm.

[@kelmasaraiva2546]

What a beautiful place that you showed us today during your ride!

[@lemontreemon218]

it amazes me how much youve changed. and by that i mean youve improved a lot in how you present your thought process. its wonderful.

[@logansworld9214]

Since 2019 I've been Journaling in my journal. I've had the same big thick journal since 2019 and am just now almost done writing in it. I like to journal and get my thoughts and frustration down on page.

[@yoszania6635]

Thank you. I SELDOM write diaries but after watching your video, I vent about feelings, life lessons, plans honestly with all my heart in google doc like I never wrote this passionately for an hour!

[@DanniB_383]

That was amazing! Also, whilst not from Melbourne, I am an Australian and it was nice hearing a story of your life while you were in Australia.

[@migueltrejo3681]

keep doing stuf like this man, nothing is better than hear you about an adventure with a bike and a magical expensive chillidog.

[@Ojuolape]

I’ve always had journals but never thought about it this way. Interesting...

[@EricTian3]

So you did get a bike - nice! Great video as always, here's to more fun stories and cheaper hot dogs.

[@RCWaldun]

Oh hell yeah. We’ll catch up soon Eric!

[@dharmastoysandillustration2727]

Not only do I like the tone of your voice, I like your diction and what you say. It really makes you pay attention to your words.

[@JustJulia-qt9nh]

That diary entry was a work of art. I wanted to hear more! 😘 👌

[@fz1792]

I just love how every comment in this section feels like reading a paragraph from a novel or a biography.

[@jplandim2243]

The difference between a diary and a journal blew my mind. See, in my mother language we have just one word that englobes these two things, and it was confusing when I tried to keep a diary and somehow it didn't look right. Now I know that I was keeping a journal. And boy, I can't describe how important it is to just "puke" words into a page. It's like a therapy session with yourself. Sometimes I read my past entries on my journals and get surprised about the insights my past self had. Besides, organize your thoughts can help you understand them. But, I still want to keep a proper diary, like he says in the video, as a storytelling exercise.

[@rainy5517]

Been writing dairy since I was 10, because our school wanted us to write about our weekend in a dairy. Haven't stopped since and it has helped me to point out my flaws and things I could improve on myself. I'm 20 now

[@flakeshakee]

damn i love writing in my dairy. Very tasty 🥛

[@navix1x]

You've caught my complete attention, this is something I must try!! Thank you, good video.

[@boanfy]

Idk why but your so comforting for my brain-

[@yusrakhan7719]

You and your videos just give me such calm and simple vibes

[@Sexpistolz]

Honestly that’s craZj to be able to see what you were thinking of at that moment in writing it holds authenticity

[@nicolegomezxoxo]

This is simple but amazing advice for someone who would like to practice writing and as you say find a voice. Personally, I try my best to look for exercises and writing prompts to challenge myself but something as simple as a diary entry never occurred to me as an exercise. So, thank you for this.

[@alshimasalah1813]

As a writer you're observer of the world around you, nailed it

[@TheRavenLilian]

Those first ten seconds gave me very "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" vibes. I need to reread that.

[@alexiswright3954]

Bad accent. Good advice. Would recommend to a friend.

[@RCWaldun]

I tried. 😂

[@zainabjamshaid2101]

This comment made me laugh because it was just so direct and so precise yet laconic 😂😂😂

[@coracobain8118]

Hi Robin, thank you so much for this video because you gave me a completely different perspective on how I view diary entries. I am now a new person. Have a great day!

[@kalon_mp4889]

I started journaling a year ago only for "aesthetic" purposes, I find organized notes and detailed moments/memories of my life calming and a bit therapeutic. Let's just say that there came a point where my life became chaotic and shit started to happen, that's when I realized the true essence of having a journal. I never once looked at my journal the same way I looked at it before, this thing kept me sane for the past months, I am very glad to be able to share my thoughts, opinions, rants and other things to my journal.

[@wraith9337]

i can feel you

[@thedailychailatte]

I feel you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@JomirBrands]

I write songs and short stories for years, and it helps me to clear my mind. Writing thoughts about myself and what's going in my mind is very helpful too.

[@thegirlwhocriedcat2062]

You just made me start a journal. Thank you!

[@SafianiMahat]

I’m so gonna start a diary after this!! Love your thoughts 👍🏻👍🏻

[@justexisting184]

I used to write diaries out of boredom when I was a 6/7 year old plebian. Then it became a safe haven, a friend. When I was 13 I changed to journaling. Random doodles, daily incidents, ideas feelings, poems scribbles ANYTHING I like all in one. Thus making a small piece of home in a bundle of papers. I used to have separate poem books and diaries, now poems and entries and random doodles are all in one notebook. A bit disorganized. Idk if that's a good thing or not as I don't follow ground rules. I'm scared of growing sick of it, cause I don't wanna loose that safe haven

[@dancer4448]

I think that’s wonderful! The notebook is for you, not anyone else. So therefore, you shouldn’t have to follow any rules that work for anyone but you!

[@justexisting184]

Aww thanks

[@viviruido]

I actually watched this video as if it were a sort of crash course on storytelling, took notes and everything (in my diary, of course).

[@desliegilson]

This is great. I loved your story and how well it was written. Thank you.

[@nakinalo2236]

Glad that this was in my recommendation. He’s got that audiobook quality voice.

[@jyotiranjan7062]

This is my favourite video from this channel in recent times..

[@VerenaSatriani]

Oh this is a perfect Tuesday. Never been this early :)

[@hannafromatlanta]

Journaling + Rainy Monday Evening = SIGN ME UP

[@simranchopra5407]

Wow!!! I love your cup.

[@sissy2373]

You make it seem so easy to the point of giving me, and i am terrified of writing, the will to do so!!! Thank you ☺️

[@currentlyreadingx]

Great idea. Will do this starting tomorrow as it’s midnight and i am sleepy.

[@marwaslibrary9363]

wow i am in love with this channel

[@Onyedikachi23]

Thank you for the advise.

[@noname-pq9tl]

Your channel has motivated me to read more and enjoy books, as well as being introduced to Murakami. I feel like we have similar views and opinions,! I appreciate your channel and learned a lot from you.🌹❤️

[@manilaboipai5190]

I write 'diaries' or as how you have explained it here as Journals.....it used to be cathartic to me as I poured down all the negative thoughts and the happy moments in few sentences. For me, writing was about putting down all the thoughts...now I have kind of lost that habit of writing...btw loved how you gave another perspective to diary writing which is different from journal writing...

[@RossoVans]

Nice video. The way you told this story was really authentic.

[@danielapaz3690]

I love your videos, keep the great work going.

[@noyram2831]

I'm keeping a diary since I'm 8 and even if some years are barely accounted, I like reading about my past and especially the way I accounted some events even if the grammar and spelling were terrible...

[@johnmaryn4497]

Hi RC, first-timer here. I enjoyed your storytelling of your diary entry. Well written and a way to develop writing skills. And you give your readers good advice-keep a journal/diary. Your only mistake was putting ketchup on a hot dog. Please, mustard only. I am 73 in a couple of days. When I was 22, I spent an amazing full-year in Vienna as a music student. That was my first and basic only daily journal of my life. In following years, I would not have a daily journal but would enter ideas and thoughts into journals as a way to collect my thoughts. My journal in 1971 though was just a brief Here’s what I did Today thing. 36 years later, I found that journal and posted it daily on the web and reflected on each daily journal entry from the vantage point of my being 36 years older, err wiser? Uh, Just 36 years later. That’s the benefit of a journal/diary if it is about your life. It will preserve your memories many years down the road and hopefully bring a smile to your face. I advise young people to especially keep a paper journal if they are doing something special-like studying abroad, travel experiences and so on. Thanks for your video. Well done.

[@nosyrosie3716]

Thanks, Dude. For giving me new ideas and tips.

[@ayesha4278]

I used to do this as a child when i entered in my teenage i wrote everything i felt about about a certain guy. One of my aunt read it and tore all of my diaries. I had 5 diaries at that time since then i stopped writing!!

[@withmetv7464]

very informative video and the scenic route from the bike ride was also a nice touch, thank you for all of your work 🤗

[@yamika.]

Wow what an incredible video! Loved your bike story

[@jakiyahcabell]

love this video! thanks so much!

[@BrittDianeee]

The story about your day 😂😂😂😂. You have inspired me to try this out. Thanks for sharing

[@itstorisstory]

Just found your channel and i love how you explain things

[@EE-iw3fy]

Damn ngl the way he wrote it, I listened to it as if it were an actual audiobook, wouldn´t mind listening to it further

[@thevoiceofrolex3340]

I really enjoyed this bro. glad I found you.

[@newgenerationanpanman7870]

I didn't know people actually wrote their day as a story! I thought I was crazy to write my day like that😂

[@barbaraperez951]

The 9th was my birthday haha! This is such a great video, I will evolve my writing from journaling to diary entries asap!

[@hanipark6457]

Same birthday here! Happy birthday~

[@TheManifoldCuriosity]

This video was great fun to watch!

[@gerardcollins80]

I need to learn this. Me and my brother write diaries but in different ways: he writes sporadically every now and then but writes in a ver romanticised way, I on the other hand write prolifically but in a plain and descriptive way, with dry witticisms thrown into the mix.

[@Sabeenist]

Excellent idea! Thank you

[@thatoneesra]

i love your energy