Do diary entries have to follow a rigid format or start with a specific phrase? Absolutely not! Whether you are a renowned diarist like Anne Frank or a novice, the way you begin and end your entries is entirely personal. Here are some creative and unconventional ways to start and end your diary entries.

Breaking Traditional Phrases

Starting a diary entry with 'Dear Diary' is so last century. It's time to shake things up and make your diaries unique!

No begins with: nDear Mom n- OR - nDear Dadn- OR - nDear little sister For those who have an audience, you might end with a stern warning:

STOP reading my diary!!!!!!

Alternative Opening Phrases

Choose whatever works for you. Here are some other creative and unconventional ways to begin:

Just the date Hey Stupid (when you're feeling particularly schizophrenic) "Once upon a time..." if your entries are meant to be exaggerated

Other quirky and unique choices include:

Thank a tree for providing the pulp for your journal Dare I say, 'Dear God, it's me again. I have never been this old before.' Your shadow has been following you Paranoia is real, so you might say, 'Just because I am paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get me.'

Reflecting on Current Practices

Some people simply start with the date, seeing their diary entry more as a news report or opinion essay than a personal letter. For instance, using headlines:

"Date: October 10, 2023 - The Rainiest Day of the Year"

Over time, try to use more fitting headlines. For instance, a weather-comment headline might be:

"Today's Forecast: Overcast Skies and a Sudden Sense of Solitude"

Personalized Diaries

If you want to replicate the personal touch of well-known diarists like Anne Frank, feel free to personalize your entries. Some examples:

"As I sat down to write today, I felt a strange sense of calm, like the world had finally paused around me." "In the quiet of my room, I realized how much I miss the simple joy of reading a good book."

In the end, the style of your diary entries is totally up to you. What matters is what resonates with your unique voice and experiences.