Why Keep a Journal?

 Writing in a journal can seem like a lot of work at first.  It requires finding a pen and a journal, or special tablet, all your own.  For many of us, journaling can be like therapy, and it cost a whole lot less then a therapist.

Keeping a journal provides a safe release of feeling, thoughts, faustrations, that might otherwise hurt someone else's feelings.  By journaling, you are better able to explore various topics, and go back later and reflect on different stages of your life.

Inside a journal, you can cry, complain, and critize.  You can say things you would never dare to say out loud.  Private thoughts, hopes, dreams, stay hidden behind the cover of your journal. 

When you are upset, over joyed, or confused, these can all be sorted out by writing them down in your journal.  You can avoid heat of the moment or rash thinking by writing them down, first, before they are spoken.  You'll prevent more misunderstandings and broken relationships in the long run, and without having to mend them and say your sorry all the time. 

This goes with the old saying, "the pen is mighter than the sword".  Whatever your dealing with in life can feel like a really big sword at times.  Let your pen ease the weight and release the stress of your current situation.

When you keep a journal, you create a new friend.  It will always be there when you need it.  It will always have space for you to talk.  It will never interrupt or ignore you, and it won't ever tell you anything, that you haven't said about yourself.  Within the pages of your journal is the silence of a good and loyal friend.

Keeping a journal is helpful to those who struggle with different stages and situations in life.  You find, when you first start out, that you have good intentions, and then fail to keep writing, keep journaling, until finally you've forgotten where you laid it last.  Don't worry, don't get overwhelmed.  Start out slow and steady, once a week, every other day, when the mood strikes, but write it down anyway.

Find your pen, start with a scrap of paper, and jot down a thought or two. No one requires you to write daily, maybe weekly, or pehaps when a situation caused you distress.  The greastest thing about journaling, is you decisde when, where, and how often.  Before you know it, you'll be journaling on a regular basis.