Journaling: it's an age-old practice. It is one of those rare concepts that transcends age, race, class, etc. However, with the rise of social media that makes voicing our every thought and opinion so simple, easy and quick, it appears that most people have taken to these platforms over pen and paper. But not every idea and impression needs to be shared to the masses.

Your ideas and your words beg to be shared, they beg to be written and brought to life. This is where the impulse to pick up our phones comes from. We want our feelings validated and reciprocated; that is only human. Through journaling, however, you hold the power to do this for yourself, to achieve your own self-actualization.

Bring your inner words to life, but do it for yourself; not for likes, reactions or comments. There is something inherently powerful in picking up a leather-bound journal, and putting in the few minutes of effort to articulate your words. Watching them unfold together across the paper, in your own unique handwriting, there forever. It is infinitely more permanent; more satisfying.

I used to journal on a daily basis when growing up. I loved receiving a multitude of colorful notebooks, memo pads and journals as Christmas and birthday gifts from family members; eager to fill all of them up. As I reached high school age, I put them away for a while.

When I began the tumultuous process of moving into college and adjusting to a whole new lifestyle, environment and friends, I once again found refuge in the blank pages. I tucked my anxieties away in the form of messy, unfinished thoughts, quickly written poems, doodles, and even some long, rambling paragraphs.

Most are poorly written/drawn and will never be revised or seen by anyone other than me; and that's what is so empowering and comforting in it. Creating a separate entity that is entirely your own brings about a humbling perspective on your own life.

I encourage everyone to keep a small journal and a pen by their bed and every once in a while just jot down any thought. It doesn't need to be deep, meaningful or even grammatically correct. It just needs to be you.