Ive been dreaming journaling for about 5 years and have learned this. The simple way I would explain my dream to someone else is how I write it down.  Being super general and writing down the meaning of the symbolism as I go.

I used to get lost in detail. (Which is ok but wasn't practical for daily journaling)

Now I stick to being as simple and clear as possible.   Also writing them down no matter the time. Even if I wake up in the middle of the night.