I've always been one to think... a lot. I have so much to say. But sometimes, I can tell that people were overwhelmed by how much that really is. So I did what I do best -- thought about how I could fix this problem. Then came the idea of a journal. After all, paper can't get tired of hearing what you have to say. So in this article I'm going to further explain why I'm a journal advocate, for everyone. There are three major reasons why you should start as soon as possible.
My first and favorite is self-expression. You can write anything with the promise of not being judged, and that can be a pretty freeing experience. Sometimes I doodle and sometimes I create pages stained with tears expressing how bad my day has been. You have no obligation of what you should say, or how frequently you should say it. A journal is arguably the best relationship you will ever have... primarily because they will never get tired of listening to you.
The second positive aspect of keeping a journal is saving ideas. I don't know about you, but I've woken up many a nights in a cold sweat (slight exaggeration) with a great idea in my head. My trusty journal just in reach, I can quickly jot it down and go back to sleep knowing that I won't forget it and will have a great idea to read in the morning. You can also bring your journal with you in your purse or back pack so you can write them down. You might ask, why don't you just write it in your notes on your phone? Well, I highly recommend branching out from technology, if only just this once. There really is something special about the permanence of expressing something on paper.
Last, but definitely not least, keeping a journal allows you to see your growth. There is nothing better than going back and reading what you've written. It's a small glimpse into the past and who you used to be. One of my favorite examples of this is when I did not get picked to be head captain of my high school cheer team. At first I was devastated, and felt as though this was the end of the world. Three months later, I was in a completely different place, and when I went back I could appreciate how my feelings had changed. A journal is a first hand account of all your fears, angers, and victories. There is nothing better than hearing it from yourself.
So with all that being said, I hope you consider keeping a journal. View it as a way to release emotions, save awesome ideas, and mark your growth. Even if you don't write every day, it is great to have a place where you can go to express yourself, to yourself. Sometimes you don't realize how much you have to say until there is no limit on what you can.
