Do any of you keep a recovery journal? Something to track your progress, or when you’re feeling off or down.
If so, do you feel it helps you out?
@Jonnybegood Got me to thinking about keeping one. I might share little tidbits now and then that aren’t too personal.
Yes, for about 24 years now. One of the most valuable recovery tools you’ll ever have. 
Thank you for the reply. Do you hand-write it or type it on a computer?
Sorry to be nosey - the reason I ask is because when I write things down I get paranoid about people reading it.
I just went to AA but it was a boring meeting so I don’t think I’m gonna add an entry today. Tomorrow though. Cool I inspired you. Go for it
Used to hand-write many moons ago. Now I type on a computer or dictate to my phone using voice to text.
I keep a couple journals.
One could be called a recovery journal.
It is very therapeutic, and tracking your progress really gives you a lot of insight.
Especially when you start to lose it a little.
I see @shutterbug likes to use the computer, but I really think there is a lot of power in physically writing out the words.
However, I realize I am a writer/artsy weirdo and that everyone may not agree.
I hope you find it as beneficial as I have.
There’s more power in the spreadsheets I also keep.
Bonus comment: Freak!
Cool. Thank you for the advice @GoldenRex.
I like physically writing too, but often my mind gets ahead of me, like if I’m thinking really fast.
But the nice thing about hand-writing is I can doodle, or draw my little silly cartoons haha.
I just ordered a book, the CBT Toolbox. Hopefully that will help me too.
Really?
After you’ve just praised the almighty spreadsheet!
Its okay,
Being a nerd is difficult sometimes
Lashing out like this is to be expected.
Great idea!
Doodles and little drawings are a big part of my journal.
You should have seen how the two research pdocs reacted when they realized I had 15 years of detailed data correlating diet, exercise, medications, supplements, and other factors with various facets of my functioning.
There was at first begging, and when I gave them copies, they both left a trail of drool out the door.
Ha!
You participated in research?
I always decline.
As a matter of fact, the last time I say a doctor regularly,
We “broke up” because she kept insisting on having students in the room,
Then wanted me to do wall these questionnaires and worksheets.
I felt like it was invasive. Even for doctor.
Participating, current tense.
I can only imagine~~~
imagine what they would have done if you’d been a twin with a non-sz twin? they’d freak out, the perfect controlled study lol!
I don’t think I would mind participating in research.
Honestly, I would be a little flattered if anyone wanted to study my brain.
I felt like it was patronizing.
Its possible that I was just in a bad headspace and feeling paranoid and suspicious.
But you’d think they’d know that, right.
If you make your living basically interviewing schizos,
You should get better at it.
Maybe I just never really liked/respected that doctor and she just couldn’t win.
Who knows.
Oh, they’d LOVE to MRI my brain, but, pacemaker. The indignation is rather cute, actually.
I’ve recently resumed writing in my journal.
Reading old entries, from one or two years ago, I now realize how far I’ve come and how better my mindset is right now !! I used to have a strong victim mentality and an oppressive feeling of doom.
Now I am much more optimistic, but also realistic, I am able to set short and medium-term goals for myself. Such as losing weight - since July I have lost at least 8kg. Or brushing my teeth daily again. Or working on small personal software projects. Or communicating more with friends and family. Every little improvement is important in the grand scheme of things.
I have a hunch that people who hate or avoid keeping a journal/diary are usually afraid of themselves, don’t have the guts to take their fate in their own hands. Of course they might just be lazy 
But If you want to reconcile the past with the present, to learn from previous experiences and better understand yourself and your journey, my advice is to start journaling !!
Thank you @Andrey and congrats to you for losing weight!
Those are all admirable goals you’re setting for yourself.
Very cool! 
Thanks Montezuma. Every word of encouragement helps me at this point 