As promised, today we start our journaling mini-series! If you missed the introduction to this series, you can find it here. Now that you’re all caught up, let’s get started! <3 Kyle
6 Reasons to Start Journaling Now
I am confident in saying that journaling has always been a passion of mine. When I was a child, I kept various diaries that had entries that read more like lists of activities than anything else. As I grew older, my journal became a way for me to reflect on things that were going on in my life and sort out my thoughts. Looking back I can honestly say that I am grateful for every entry (even the cringe-worthy ones) because I now have a record of moments that have made me who I am today.
However, I recognize that not everyone journals. Some people think they don’t have the time to journal, others feel foolish doing it, or maybe even worry that someone will come across their private journal and read it. I’m not here to say those things don’t matter to you, but they really shouldn’t matter. If these reasons (or other reasons) are holding you back from starting the journaling process, it is time to be reminded of all the reasons why you should journal:
Get to know yourself.
One of the best parts of journaling is that each entry gives you a better idea of who you are as a person. Knowing yourself is the key to happiness, so why wouldn’t you want to take a few minutes out of your day to do this? Even if you cannot journal every day, don’t let this keep you from starting a journal. Writing a little bit whenever you can is better than writing nothing at all. You’d be surprised at how quick a little writing here and there can add up.
Deal with stress in a healthy way.
You know how talking through a problem with someone tends to help you sort out where to go from there? Well, what about the times you can’t talk to someone else? This is where journaling comes in. This gives you a place to think through decisions privately and find out where you stand.
Even when I have someone to talk through a problem with, I like to journal. As human beings, we are susceptible to peer pressure so I like to know where I stand as an individual before I let other’s weigh in on something that directly impacts my life. When it has to do with me and my life, I want to make sure I have a say in it. Journal first and talk to others if that isn’t enough. Most importantly though, make sure you are true to yourself.
Everyone needs a judgement-free zone.
Your journal is a place where you can say/write anything that comes into your mind without worrying about someone else’s judgment. Real life doesn’t always offer us this, but your journal should. Embrace the judgement-free zone.
Record memories.
Do you remember your first day of high school? What about your first crush? First kiss? That trip to France? Your first job? The day you got your dog? I do. In fact, I remember the moments I have actually forgotten. How is that possible? With a journal.
Looking at old entries of mine reminds me of the details of memories that have begun to fade or disappear altogether. We all have a lot on our minds at any given time, and I cannot begin to describe how much I appreciate the time I have taken to journal over the years now that I can look back and remember moments that have since slipped away. It’s comforting to see where I came from and now I can fully appreciate the journey I have made thus far.
It’s good writing practice.
Okay, I’m a writer so this had to be on the list. I understand that not everyone likes writing for whatever reason. Maybe you don’t know what to write about or you don’t know how to organize your thoughts. Maybe you associate writing with an in school activity and cringe at the thought. Maybe getting a D on a paper scarred you for the rest of your writing life. Journaling is the solution. You know the topic and have a means of organization built in (the date, event, or prompt your responding to). On top of that, this isn’t academic writing. No one is forcing you to write and no one is grading you. With terms like these, you might find that you actually enjoy writing.
Only you can tell your story.
Sure, you could wait until your rich and famous to hire someone to write your biography, but even then that wouldn’t be a full picture of who you are. Only you know the full story. Even though the purpose of journaling doesn’t rely on people reading your journals (in fact, I discourage this as it taints the judgement-free zone), it is nice to have a record of who you really are along with your personal growth.
