I'll admit right off the bat that when I first heard of the concept of a submissive journal I wasn't thrilled. It seemed too ritualistic-like (for lack of a better word) and it seemed like something that HOH's used to force on their submissive partners (example: you must write in your journal after every punishment) which I highly disagreed with. Needless to say, I wasn't a fan.

But the more I looked into the idea, the more okay with it I became. I started looking at the concept of submissive journals more as a way to help the submissive partner and less as a ritualistic punishment, and I started to see the benefits. I've also talked to several who keep a journal (by their own personal choice, not their HOH's) and after they let me know of some of the results they experienced I was beginning to become more on board with the idea.

So, first let's start with what is a submissive journal anyway? By my definition, a submissive journal is a creative outlet that a submissive partner uses to record thoughts, ideas, and general statements surrounding submission, domestic discipline, and/or whatever she/he wants. Most commonly the journal is kept as a standard paper journal (and, for the record, there are some really cute ones that you can buy around the web that aren't dedicated as submissive journals but could easily be made into one) but I've also heard of people creating a private blog that either only them, or only them and their HOH can view and using that as their journal.

How often you write in your journal is completely up to you. A lot of people choose to write in them after each punishment, while others only do so when they feel the urge.

Below are some of the benefits of a submissive journal:

• Provides for an emotional release and a way to get your feelings out in a non-judgmental environment
• Allows the HOH to get a better insight into the submissive partners mind, what she/he feels and thinks and how effective domestic discipline is
• Gives the submissive partner a way to look back on past punishments, incidents, and transgressions to learn the lessons behind each of them, and/or remember the point of each punishment
• Gives both the submissive partner and the HOH a way to track their domestic discipline progress and identify what areas they need to improve upon

These are just a few of the many benefits but if you have a different experience or benefit that submissive journals has provided you I would love for you to share it in the comments below.

It's important to note that submissive journals are meant to be different than the concept of punishment journals, although some submissive partners choose to use them interchangeably with great results.

If you're interested in beginning a submissive journal I've included a few tips below to help you get started.

• **Choose the format. **As I mentioned above, there are two types of journal formats -- paper and electronic. There are pros and cons to each, so choose the one that is easiest for you. With electronic formats, I recommend making the blog private (or using a non-blog type platform such as Evernote).
• **Discuss the journal with your HOH. **This doesn't necessarily mean the journal needs to be shared with him, unless you want it to be, but I feel he should be included in the decision to begin one and/or at least know that it exists.
• **Decide what type of content. **Is the journal going to be used more for getting your thoughts out/an emotional release, a punishment journal or a mix of both?
• **Decide on the frequency. **Some people choose to write every Sunday in their journal as a way to recap the week and get any thoughts out in the open before the following week begins, while others choose to only write in theirs after a punishment or when the mood strikes.

Remember, there's no right or wrong answer on any of the above decisions. They're just simply things to think about and choices to make as you begin your new journal.

One of the biggest challenges people face is what to write about in their journals. One would think topic ideas would come naturally and a person could just write down whatever is on their mind at the time (which is, after all, somewhat of the point of the journal in the first place) but it isn't always that easy. Below is a list of 25 journal "starter topics" I've came up with that you can use as prompts to begin your new journal.

1. Since beginning domestic discipline what do you feel has been the greatest reward?
2. Since beginning domestic discipline what do you feel has been the greatest challenge?
3. One thing I feel I could improve upon when it comes to submission is...
4. One thing I wish my HOH would do more of is...
5. If I had to tell one person about domestic discipline I would tell...
6. Being a submissive wife has taught me...
7. Discuss your most recent punishment and what you learned from it...
8. I feel like our domestic discipline dynamic has changed over the past year in the following ways...
9. My personal feelings on the word "sir" are...
10. Do you feel submission is taught, or learned, and why?
11. What is one quality that you feel your HOH could improve upon?
12. One way I plan to be more submissive in the next month is...
13. What are your wants and needs when it comes to domestic discipline, dominance and submission, and your relationship as a whole?
14. Discuss one rule that you have that you feel is unnecessary or needs revised.
15. My thoughts on maintenance spankings are...
16. Describe a time when you were most proud of yourself for being a submissive partner.
17. What are 6 words that you would use to describe yourself?
18. What are 6 words that you would use to describe your HOH?
19. What are 6 words that you would use to describe your relationship and/or your domestic discipline dynamic?
20. Write a letter to your HOH (it's up to you whether you choose to share the letter with him or not)
21. How has being a submissive partner changed your perception on society?
22. Where do you see yourself in one year?
23. What does submission mean to you?
24. What advice would you give to fellow submissive partners?
25. One thing that surprised me the most about being a submissive partner was...

Having a submissive journal is, by no means, a requirement for a successful domestic discipline relationship and it's important that the choice to begin one is yours, not anyone else's. If you've chosen to start a submissive journal, what are some of the benefits you've experienced?

We'll see you tomorrow!

-Chelsea

{Submissive Saturday} Starting a Submissive Journal - Learning Domestic Discipline: The Blog.