You like to journal. You probably already have a journaling habit. You know when to journal.

But have you ever thought of those times when you should NOT journal?

What? You mean there are actually times when it’s not a good idea to journal? This is an unheard-of concept. But hear me out. There are times when we should just put our pens/pencils/brushes down. Or not pick them up in the first place. I’ll share these times with you so that you can avoid potential embarrassment or catastrophe.

Hope this helps. And you’re welcome.

When you should NOT journal:

1. When you’re sleeping. (This would also be impossible. Unless you are a somnambulist who also happens to be able to write in their sleep.)
2. When you’re working. Bosses frown upon this. Unless you’ve got a really boring job and/or your boss’s permission – then go for it!
3. When you’re driving. Duh.
4. When someone else is driving and you tend to get carsick. Again, duh.
5. When you’re boating and get seasick.
6. When you’re diving. Unless you have waterproof paper. Then go for it.
7. When you’re jet skiing.
8. When you’re skydiving. How are you even going to write in all that windspeed?
9. When you’re riding a bike. Unless you’re okay with crashing.
10. When you’re riding a skateboard. Again, crashing.
11. Just stay away from all motorized or moving vehicles when you journal.
12. When you’re walking. Just watch where you’re going.
13. When you break your arm. (Unless you are ambidextrous or want to learn how to write with your non-dominant hand.)
14. When you can’t use your hands. (There are times. Don’t push it.)
15. When you can’t see. (You might want to go to the optometrist or get new glasses. This could be serious.)
16. When you’re getting your nails done.
17. When you’re getting your hair cut/dyed/styled. Unless you can hold real still.
18. When you’re at the dentist. (Nearly impossible to journal and, ew, spit is flying!)
19. When you’re on the examination table. Doctors frown upon this.
20. When you’re being pulled over. Policemen frown upon this. (What were you doing writing in your journal, anyway? See number 6!)
21. When you’re in court. Judges frown upon this.
22. When you’re talking on the phone. (Rude. Plus, have you ever written down the words you’re hearing instead of what you meant to be writing? Well, the opposite could happen too. You could say the words you mean to write. Dangerous.)
23. When you’re talking on the phone to your mother. Doubly dangerous.
24. When the person you’re writing about is in the house. (Seriously. You could get caught at any time.)
25. When the person you’re writing about is in the room. (Do you want to get caught?)
26. When the person you’re writing about is looking over your shoulder. (Run. Run now.)
27. When you’re reading important, life-altering, earth-shattering things like this blog.
28. When your kid needs to go potty. Now.
29. When your dog/cat/pet needs to go potty. Now.
30. When you need to go potty. NOW. (Unless you’re okay with the possibility of dropping your journal in the toilet.)
31. When you need to leave the house. Now. (If it’s an emergency, your journal can wait.)
32. When you need to take cover. Now. (Severe weather warnings should be heeded.)
33. During big life events. Like walking down the aisle. Or giving birth. Or a eulogy.
34. When you’re doing something that requires your undivided attention. Like surgery. This is not the time to multitask.
35. When you should be doing something else.

I know, I know: I said 40, but we’re stopping here. 35’s enough, right? You want the even 40? Okay. That’s fair. After all, it’s in the title.

Why don’t you come up with the last 5?

36.

37.

38.

39.

40.