ChatGPT tells me this:

The terms "journal" and "diary" are often used interchangeably, but there can be subtle differences in their connotations and usage. The distinctions, however, can vary, and in many cases, the terms are used synonymously... Journals are often considered more encompassing and versatile. They can include a variety of writing styles, such as reflections, observations, goal-setting, and creative writing... [Furthermore, they] may have a more structured format, with sections for different topics or aspects of life. They can be organized around themes, goals, or specific areas of interest... [Whereas] Diaries are often associated with personal and intimate reflections. They may focus more on the writer's emotions, experiences, and day-to-day activities... [They] are commonly thought of as chronological records of daily events.

I have developed a variety of journaling habits, and some of them can be good (helpful), but others perhaps not as beneficial as you might think. I've been thinking lately about how I might go forward in 2024; perhaps you might find this information useful yourself.

 - The simple To Do list; I've used a small notebook for this purpose for the past couple of years. The main issue I've always had is writing up a list of things to do each day, and then not addressing them, or writing things on the list that I do each day anyway (so why write it down?) Sometimes I might catch myself about to put something on the list that I could just get on with. Sometimes there are things that get carried forwards, day after day - I might write things down the night before, and then fail to address those things throughout the next day as I should. I'm nearing the end of my present notebook and I have another simple notepad waiting in the wings with which I hope to be more dedicated, it's smaller so I should be able to slip it in a pocket.

 - The Dream Diary; I find the very act of intending to write down dreams as I wake from them to be very beneficial to the act of recalling them (this can take practice). However, the next stage in the process is to act based on what is revealed, especially with regards to recurring dreams, which these I take to mean there is a lesson in life I am failing to learn.

 - The standard Journal; I find it beneficial to end a day (especially a particularly turbulent one where things are weighing on my thoughts) by writing down what my mind is busy with. Generally though I find myself with only enough energy to dump these thoughts to paper before switching off the light and settling down to sleep. What I would like to do next is to better plan ways forwards. Also, I would like to figure out a way to make this journaling more structured and guided because simply off-loading my stuff doesn't always result in personal progress, especially with regards to things that routinely bother me that I would benefit from resolving more swiftly/efficiently - too much wasted mental energy and time etc. Seeing other people's Bullet Journals is inspiring but making a mistake or finding a layout too rigid poses some concerns.

In addition to these I also keep a record of Book Notes. These might be kept in an actual paper notebook, or typed into my electronic AlphaSmart device (top right) and then transferred to my computer and published in the Books section of this website. I enjoyed using this device and method throughout the summer months when I would sit outside away from my computer. I later got my hands on the Amstrad device (bottom right) but have yet to start using it proper - it needs a serial connection but I'm hoping once I'm set up that I'll find the keyboard nicer to type on than the AlphaSmart.

Publishing thoughts to computer or more specifically online has become the source of some anxiety, particularly this year with the "rise of AI". In hearing some of the conversations people were having it appeared to me that some of these services had used something like old LiveJournal data from teenagers ranting about teenager stuff to build their language models, and with this in mind, it bothered me to think that my own personal ramblings, wherever I might post them, would be accessible to anyone, and anything, and for how long, and for what purposes? I have similar concerns about who reads my Wordpress blog; I have used this for a number of years (generally for particular topics of interest, rather than journaling) but I have often thought about having a Blog section here at this website to host other "blog posts" that I don't want there, but would like written somewhere.

With regards to the daily journaling, here are some other aspects one might focus on as suggested by ChatGPT:

Gratitude Journaling:
Focuses on expressing gratitude by writing about things you are thankful for. This practice can promote a positive mindset and enhance well-being.

Reflective/Affirmation/Mindfulness Journaling:
Focusing on self-reflection and introspection. Involves writing positive affirmations to reinforce a positive mindset and promote self-confidence. Integrates mindfulness practices into journaling, focusing on the present moment and cultivating awareness. Writers explore their feelings, beliefs, and personal growth.

Fitness/Goal-based Journal:
Tracks physical activity, exercise routines, or health-related goals. Centres around setting, tracking, and reflecting on personal and professional goals. It can include progress measurements and reflections on well-being. It can help with motivation and planning.

I think it becomes important to see progress; if you want to check off each day that you did something, great, but after a while just "showing up" is not the same as seeing progress. For example, I know some people who count their calories and log what they eat each day, because on their path to losing weight that was one of the steps; they fail to see that counting calories alone is not causing them to lose weight, in fact they might be achieving the opposite. Hopefully my journaling practices in 2024 can get me on a good path.