Why Journal?

64

By Hope Wilbanks

Journaling is deeply rooted throughout history. Ann Frank is one of the most noted journal-keepers of modern history. A Jewish girl, Ann Frank kept a diary of horrific sufferings at the hands of Nazis. This journal was later compiled and published and has since become a landmark of historical value.

As you can see from this single example of how journals have held a prominent place in history, there are many reasons why you should keep a journal. Some of these reasons will be listed below. As you read, notice if any of these hold significance with you.

A journal gets your thoughts out of your head and onto paper. One of the best reasons for keeping a journal is that it helps you release your inner thoughts and emotions. How many times have you had a stressful day, then went home and took it out on your family? A journal can become your safe space, where you can dump all those negative and anxious thoughts. When you release them on paper, your mind will be free to experience more happiness and joy.

A journal helps you work things out before you actually carry them out. Have you ever had an idea that you thought was great at the time, but then when you committed yourself to it, realized you should have thought it through more than you did? You can use a journal to think things through, to prevent this from happening. Weigh the pros and cons, brainstorm veins of ideas, and troubleshoot potential hazards or problems beforehand. Then you’ll likely experience better results.

A journal gives you a chronicle account of your life changes. Being able to hold a complete account of your life—with all the rises and falls—will give you a deep insight into yourself. When you write faithfully in a journal, you can go back later and read through your entries. Doing this enables you to notice a shift in your thought processes, a change in your priorities, or doubts and questions you should have heeded to earlier. Best of all, your journal will provide a unique account of your life, in your eyes and own words.

Journal because it's fun.
Journal because it's fun.

A journal gives you a chronicle account of your life changes. Being able to hold a complete account of your life—with all the rises and falls—will give you a deep insight into yourself. When you write faithfully in a journal, you can go back later and read through your entries. Doing this enables you to notice a shift in your thought processes, a change in your priorities, or doubts and questions you should have heeded to earlier. Best of all, your journal will provide a unique account of your life, in your eyes and own words.

Buy Yourself A Nice Journal

Moleskine Plain Notebook Large
Amazon Price: $9.88
List Price: $17.95
Moleskine Ruled Cahier Journal Black Pocket: set of 3 Ruled Journals
Amazon Price: $4.47
List Price: $8.95
Moleskine Ruled Notebook Pocket
Amazon Price: $5.59
List Price: $12.00

Comments

Jane Grey profile image

Jane Grey Level 3 Commenter 3 years ago

My thoughts exactly! I actually wrote a hub on this too, but it was before I saw yours. Beautiful insights and very true!

marisuewrites profile image

marisuewrites 3 years ago

You're right Hope, drawing is a wonderful form of writing for kids especially but also about us. One great acitivity is to draw together and then talk about the pictures, and then write down what was said, and there's your story! =0 Happy journaling.

Hope Wilbanks profile image

Hope Wilbanks Hub Author 3 years ago

Yes, marisue! My daughter keeps a journal. Sometimes she writes, but I've noticed that she draws in it as much as she writes. I think any form of expression--not necessarily writing--can and should be incorporated into journaling.

marisuewrites profile image

marisuewrites 3 years ago

I agree with you John..kids in foster care and kids in my classroom all kept journals, and they also used art to express themselves. It all had positive effects great great advice from John and Hope - I hope everyone will be encouraged to write their life's history!

I especially like this one...

"A journal helps you work things out before you actually carry them out."

When working with kids or people in pain, thinking ahead and back helps us feel better in the present.

Great tips-

Hope Wilbanks profile image

Hope Wilbanks Hub Author 3 years ago

This is an excellent tip, John! Thanks so much for sharing it with us! :)

John Chancellor profile image

John Chancellor 3 years ago

Recording your thoughts in a journal is one of the most powerful theraputic activities you can do. I highly recommend using a journal and asking yourself powerful questions.

Why did I take that action today? What was I expecting the outcome to be? How could I have handled things differently? Did my actions today bring me closer to what I truly want?

Recording your feelings rather than just the facts will give you a sharp insight into the why. Becoming aware of why you do things will surely shape the things you do.

Submit a Comment
You Must Sign In To Comment

To comment on this Hub, you must sign in or sign up and post using a HubPages account.

Please wait working