Author Jack London said, “Keep a notebook. Travel with it, eat with it, sleep with it. Slap into it every stray thought that flutters up into your brain. Cheap paper is less perishable than gray matter, and lead pencil markings endure longer than memory.”
I am a writer. But, before I even knew I wanted to be a writer, I journaled. I have been journaling for at least 12 years. I have used my journals to express my feelings, and record adventures, memories and ideas. Journaling has become a part of who I am.
In a fast-paced world that is consumed with technology, journaling forces a person to slow down and think deliberately. Here are some reasons to consider starting a journal.
1. It can provide a creative outlet.
Whether you're into art, writing or anything else, you can adapt that creative form into journaling. If you like art, try bullet journaling and doodling. If you like writing, write stories, your thoughts, or poems. If you like music, try using your journal to create music and lyrics. If you are an organizer, try using a journal to make lists and keep track of your life. The options are endless! Even if you don't think you're creative, do not hesitate to try something out. It doesn't matter how perfect it is. You're doing this for you.
2. It can help you organize your ideas.
Journals are perfect for organizing ideas of all kinds. You can use a journal to create to-do lists, goals, bucket lists and more!
3. It can allow you to analyze your feelings.
If you are like me, and vocalizing your feelings when you are deep in thought or going through a hard time is nearly impossible, journaling may be a good alternative. Writing out your thoughts can sometimes be the best way to make sense of your thoughts and feelings about a situation.
4. It can be therapeutic.
The American Psychological Association says that, “expressive writing reduces intrusive and avoidant thoughts about negative events and improves working memory” (http://www.apa.org/monitor/sep01/keepdiary.aspx). As someone who as experienced mild depression, I can attest to the help that journaling can bring in a therapeutic way. Even when you feel like you cannot express what you are feeling to others, you can journal. And it can be very healing.
6. It provides a space to put down whatever is on one's mind.
Happy thoughts, sad thoughts, hopes and dreams for the future, what your day was like, fun memories...all of these things and more can be used to fill the pages of a journal. It's your book. Put whatever you want in it.
7. There is something satisfying about writing with an actual pen and paper.
The world we live in is obsessed with living faced paced and technology absorbed lifestyles. Old-fashioned journaling with a physical journal and pen is perfect, because it has nothing to do with technology.
8. Similarly, journaling forces you to slow down and enjoy the moment.
Because we live such fast-paced lives, we rarely slow down and enjoy quiet moments of thought and peace. Journaling the old-fashioned way forces you to do this. That is something that is rare and so important.
I hope I have convinced you to pick up a pen and a notebook and start journaling. Give it a try. You might be surprised at what you discover.
