Photo Credit to Dariusz Sankowski on Unsplash
When I got my first journal, I didn’t know what to do with it.
What was the point of writing down my thoughts when they were safer in my head? Why should I be writing about myself when I had much more exciting things I could be doing?
Nonetheless, because of a family member’s insistence and not wanting the paper to go to waste, I hesitantly started journaling.
It was one of the best decisions I ever made.
Now, half a decade and more than half a dozen journals later, I wanted to share what I have learned from journaling, the important reasons behind why I do it, and how it has changed my life.
1. Journaling Preserves Memories.
In the long run, the most important benefit of journaling is the memories it preserves. The joy of making a new friend, the thrill of a music recital, the pang of loss at the death of a pet – though these are vivid in the moment and the few days following, they will soon fade with time.
However, by writing down these experiences, you are preserving moments that otherwise would have been forgotten. When I look back into my older journals, old memories come rushing back. If it’s a beautiful feeling now, imagine how much more beautiful it will be decades later when I have a treasure trove of preserved memories to hold in my hands.
2. Journaling Enhances Writing Skills.
Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or anything in between, weaving thoughts into words on a regular basis is a tremendous help to any writer's growth. In addition to enhancing my vocabulary and grammar, journaling has helped me grow in the art of expressing myself efficiently with words. Journaling also allows you to experiment with different styles, tones, and structures without the pressure of an audience. This freedom encourages you to take risks and explore your voice, developing confidence in your writing.
3. Journaling Releases Negative Emotions.
Another reason I journal is that it helps release negative emotions. When I’m stressed, angry, worried, or anxious, I find that letting my feelings flow onto paper is an incredible way to relieve their burden from my heart, making me feel calmer, and allowing me to think about the reasons behind the emotions and the next steps I should take.
4. Journaling Documents Growth.
A very rewarding benefit of journaling is that it allows me to document my personal growth. It’s amazing to see just how much I’ve grown over the years in many areas of my life, including faith, confidence, writing, and knowledge.
I also enjoy very much looking at how my handwriting has improved.
5. Journaling Stimulates Creativity.
Sometimes, when I journal, I just want to put my thoughts onto paper. Other times, I add a flair of decoration with calligraphy, stickers, drawings, and colors.
No matter the type of journaling you do, you are creating something. And creativity, as you know, has tons and tons of benefits.
6. Journaling Allows For Reflection & Contemplation.
Many people have such busy days now, but journaling allows for a quiet space and time when our minds can calm down and process our day. Journaling allows you to reflect and contemplate your thoughts, beliefs, goals, and life. This practice helps you make steps toward your goals, understand yourself, and develop a closer relationship with God.
7. Journaling Is Fun.
The thing I love most about journaling is that it’s fun. It brings me joy. It makes me feel happy and fulfilled. There’s something uniquely satisfying about filling up a blank page with your thoughts, ideas, and creations. Plus, looking back at your journals can be a source of amusement and nostalgia, reminding you of the fun you had while creating them. If all the previous six reasons didn’t exist, I would still journal all the same, simply because it’s so fun.
It goes without saying that journaling is an incredible, rewarding, and transformative journey. If you keep a journal like I do, share in the comments what that has been like. How long have you been doing it? What do you like about it?
And if you haven’t started journaling yet, I encourage you to give it a try. Pick up a pen, open a journal, and begin documenting your unique journey. You might just find, as I did, that it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
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I journalled a bit when I was younger, but it was inconsistent and at some point, I just stopped. However, after reading The Wingfeather Saga in 2022, I was inspired once more to pick up journalling, and so I did. Since then, I have faithfully written at least a page in my journal every day, with a few exceptions, and it has been such a blessing to me! Your list of reasons to journal are nearly exactly my own reasons, and I deeply agree with you concerning its many benefits!
I've been journaling on and off for several years now, but I didn't maintain a habit of journaling regularly until approximately a couple of years ago. Over the past couple of months, I've made it my goal to journal almost every day, and I've been really enjoying it. I would list the reasons why I enjoy journaling, except they're almost all the same as yours. ;) Great list! I think this would motivate just about anyone to start journaling.
You're not the only one who likes seeing how their handwriting improves over the years. Or rather, cringing at how awful it used to be...
This is a really good article! I've been journaling for a little over a month, and I took a journaling class at camp this past week. I really like it! It's also fun to write letters to your future self.
This was a great article, Julie! Thanks for writing it. I enjoyed reading it and found myself agreeing with all your points! While I don't journal as much as I used to, I do turn to my journal when I need to. :) It's a great, safe way of expressing yourself!
Unless...this happens, of course.
Oh my gosh yes!!! I journal and have been for over two years, but never quite realized there were so many benefits! Nice to find another journaller. Great article! Very well-written!!!