I’d say, ever since the third grade, I’ve kept a journal. But then because I am a writer, I’m sure this isn’t a shocker.
I don’t remember where, but I once heard someone say, “When you don’t know what to do, do nothing.”
Frequently, I apply this concept when dealing with difficult situations or people in everyday life. It’s hard to know what to do when you’re in the midst of it all.
Here are five reasons why keeping a journal is one of the best forms of free therapy:
1. The journal does not interrupt.
If there is a situation or person who you are having a time working through or with, reach for your journal in your free time. A journal is the perfect place to unload all of your thoughts and get your them off of your chest without judgment or comments from outsiders
2. It is private.
Granted that you choose to journal in a physical book that can be hidden someplace safe in your living space, the privacy of your journal is almost guaranteed. This journal is your personal property. No one has to know what you have written in there or where you store it. You can share the thoughts you’ve written in your journal on your time and at your discretion.
3. Keeping a journal is a healthy alternative to venting on social media.
OK, so I may anger a few with this point. But here goes. Many of us have vented on social media about our problems a time or two. I am guilty of this myself!
Yes, I know. There are tools to delete and edit shared information on whatever platform(s) you subscribe to. But the fact is, once other people have had the opportunity to read something that’s very personal to you, they have that intimate information forever… and you cannot re-claim it.
If you are still in the process of working through anything that may be upsetting you, it may not be the right time to publicize it. Attempt to gain some clarity about your thoughts by sharing them only with yourself first…using your journal.
4. It is a great place to archive your wins and awesome days.
You can use your journal to vent but be sure to also enter your achievements, unique experiences or time spent with people who make you feel confident, happy and at peace.
Maybe you went canoeing on a river for the first time or your small business turned a profit after months of work. Whatever it is, give yourself a chance to reflect on the things and people that bring you joy. This is a must-do in keeping a journal so that you have great stories to read over when/if you decide to look through your journal someday in the future.
5. It costs you nothing but time.
OK, so maybe I said that incorrectly. Time is one of the most precious things in this world.
But one thing to remember is this. Your journal is for you! Is your time strictly to be used and abused by other people? Of course not.
Personally, I typically enter one page of writing for each day I choose to write and then I am done. Again, this is for you. No need to worry about grammar, use of expletives or even the format. I have written entries in my journal that consist of a title such as “things to improve upon in life” with a list of said things to follow. Make your journal yours and block out time to do it….even if you have to put it on your agenda.
Well, this was just my two cents.
Keeping a journal has served me well in helping to channel energy in a healthy and controlled manner. We all go through a little something in life. Let your journal lighten your load on the bad days and celebrate with you on the good ones.
Happy journaling!
Tiara Queensbury 