Some people like to use notebooks for diaries. Others prefer to use computers to write instead. Both methods are just fine, so choose the one you are most comfortable with.  If you want to use a computer to write, you can use a text document to write or you can use an online journaling website or diary app. If you want to use a physical diary, choose one that’s easy for you to write in. Make sure it's a good size for you and get one with lined paper inside. If you can't decide if you want to use a computer or write in a notebook, go with the one that makes you feel the  most creative. Keep your diary close to you if possible. If it’s always within reach, you’re more likely to use it. Start by writing details you want to remember and even random thoughts as they strike you in your diary.  If you’re using a notebook, make sure you choose one that easily fits into your backpack or purse. Keep your diary safe. Diaries are very private so if you carry it with you, keep an eye on it. If you leave it at home, be sure that it can't be easily found. One of the best things about diaries is reading them later, so be sure to date your entries. That way you know exactly when things happened. Make putting down the date the first thing you do when writing a diary entry so you won't forget. Put aside time for writing first thing in the morning or right before you go to bed and hold yourself to it. If you’re very busy, even 10 minutes every day will help to get you in the habit of writing in your diary.  Choose a time when you know you won’t be interrupted by friends or family members. Write to pass the time when you're riding in a car or on a bus.These trips are a good opportunity to jot down your thoughts and ideas. Don’t feel that you have to write long paragraphs and perfect sentences in your diary, or even sentences at all.  If it’s easier for you to get down short phrases or bulletpoints, go with that.  It can be tempting, but avoid editing yourself in your diary. Don’t worry about spelling and grammar either. No one is judging what you put in your diary and it’s for your eyes only. Feel free to write poetry, put down song lyrics, and record quotes from others that are meaningful to you. Some people express themselves best through art, and that is a completely valid way to use your diary, too.  Experiment with drawing, painting, collecting found objects and creating collages in your diary, especially if you find that the words aren’t flowing. Mix it up! Write when you're in the mood to write, and draw or make other art if you're more in the mood to do that.
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One-sentence summary -- Choose the type of diary you want to use. Carry your diary with you every day. Date the entries in your diary. Get in the habit of using your diary every day. Avoiding worrying about writing everything perfectly in your diary. Use your diary for drawing and art.


Hearing aids can be either analog or digital. Both types of hearing aids will amplify sound, but the digital style converts sound to data, amplifies it, then converts back to analog. The analog style simply amplifies sound. Digital hearing aids are more precise and more popular. In fact, many companies are discontinuing production of analog models to focus on the digital brands. If possible, choose a digital model. Because wearing a hearing aid affects how you hear your own voice, listening to the sound of your voice can be a good way to compare different models. At the store or doctor’s office, try different models and recite the same paragraph a few times each – pay attention to how your own voice sounds between different devices. The average cost of a hearing aid varies from about $1,500 to several thousand dollars. While the cost of a hearing aid will undoubtedly play a role in your decision, it's important to understand what’s included in the price a company quotes you. Most importantly, make sure that the price includes creating a mold that fits in your ear precisely, as well as the cost of making adjustments should you find the hearing aid uncomfortable.  Other expenses may include remote controls, accessories, and those optional features. Your insurance may cover the cost of your hearing aid, or at least part of it. Medicare does not pay for hearing aids, but private insurance might cover all or part for adults and is usually required to pay for hearing aids for children – check with your insurance provider. You may also be able to get your hearing aid paid for by the Veterans Administration (VA) or a medical assistance program. You should be allowed a trial period, because it can take a little time to adjust to your device and decide if you like it. Be sure to find out what it costs to have a trial period and whether that cost counts towards the purchase price if you choose to buy the hearing aid. Also know if you get a refund if you choose to return it during the trial. Get all of this in writing. Your warranty should cover parts and labor for a period of time. Some warranties also cover doctor visits. This varies depending on where you get your device, but consider warranties as you compare options. Remember that your hearing loss may worsen as you get older. Consider whether the model of hearing aid you get is adaptable if you need more power in the future. If not, you may end up needing to purchase a new hearing aid down the road.
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One-sentence summary -- Choose a digital device. Listen to the sound of your own voice. Ask about what's included in the price. Have a trial period. Make sure your hearing aid is covered by a warranty. Think about your future.


If you need to cry on command, thinking of a time when you felt sad can help put you in the right frame of mind for tears. For example, it may  help to think back to the loss of a loved one or a particularly bad breakup. Other emotional triggers might include losing something special to you, getting in trouble with your parents, or missing out on something you worked really hard to achieve. Many people have fears that deep down they are not as strong as they like to believe. Picturing yourself as small and weak might put you in a vulnerable mindset that can lead to real tears.  Once you tap into that feeling, let the helpless feeling flow out of you in the fear of tears. For example, a common exercise in acting classes is to imagine yourself as a small child whom no one cares for. Sometimes, thinking back on a bad experience from the past can lead to real emotions that are hard to overcome. If this is the case, try to imagine something sad that could happen hypothetically rather than thinking of something personal. For instance, you could try thinking of puppies being left on the side of the road. You want to save them all, but you can only take one. As you're holding the one puppy you got to save, you look at all of the other puppies that aren't being held. Try imagining things that make your eyes fill up with happy tears, like a time someone gave you a meaningful gift, veterans being reunited with their families, or someone triumphing in the face of adversity. As long as you’re not smiling, no one will be able to tell if you’re crying happy or sad tears.
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One-sentence summary --
Think about a time when you felt really emotional. Imagine yourself being weak or helpless. Create a sad scenario using your imagination. Cry happy tears if you don’t want to feel sad.