After going through some old childhood books I used to read, I came across one of my favorite books, Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary. I flipped through the pages and noticed something that I never noticed before... Leigh Botts has been more relatable than ever before. I was totally inspired and decided to give it a try. Whether you're in the sixth grade or in college, keeping tracking of your thoughts and feelings is hands-down one of the best decisions you can make in terms of yourself.
1. Your diary is your best friend when no one's around to talk or listen.
It sounds silly that an inanimate object could be your friend, but think about it: when no one is at your side to listen to you, you always know you can count on your diary to be there for you. You know you can rely on it for trustworthiness, or in other words, hold your deepest and most private inner thoughts. It won't grow legs to tell someone things they don't want to hear.
2. It's the best form of therapy after an extremely stressful day.
No joke, I find it to be more relieving than taking a bath or coloring in my coloring book. I love being able to throw everything I have on my mind onto paper. It certainly lessens my agitation, and sometimes even after re-reading my entries, it helps me to assess my past decisions (both good and bad), and encourages me to think clearly.
3. You'll become a better writer!
Especially when it comes to cranking out papers for English class, you'll see an improvement in word choice and the way you voice your opinions. I find myself writing essays much quicker and thinking more abstractly.
4. Your creativity level will sky-rocket.
I know people are supposed to have dreams, but I was convinced that I never have them, or let alone remember them. Since I started writing in my journal, I've been having some wild dreams, and I make sure to log them when I can. I've been aware of the fact that nowadays I've been able to recall my dreams in vivid detail, and have them regularly.
5. In a few years, you can look back on your old entries and think to yourself, "Does this even matter anymore?"
It's crazy to think all the things that we worry about day to day won't even matter in months or even years from now. It's a way to preserve your life at the moment, and be able to look back and smile about the person you used to be, who you've become today, and see that progression at the palm of your hands.
