I've been keeping a journal on and off for most of my life, starting with a little padlocked diary I got in first grade. What I love about keeping a journal is that there are no rules. No one is grading me on my quality of my writing or if my thoughts are coherent. I can write or doodle however and whenever I want to. Here are 5 reasons why I think everyone should keep a journal.

1. Journals don't judge.

Your crushes, embarrassing stories, deepest regrets, the things you wouldn't dare tell another soul-- you can write it all down in your journal, because you're the only one who will ever read it. Having a journal is like being able to vent to a therapist, except it costs way less.

2. It can help you make decisions.

Writing out your problems is a great way to help you find solutions. You can compare the pros and cons, make charts, contemplate the possible outcomes, etc, and you don't even need to listen to unwanted advice from people who think they know best.

3. You can complain all you want.

Your teacher gave you an unfair grade? Your best friend is bothering you? You can complain for as long as you want in your journal. It's also a great way to get out any aggression or frustration you have. Keeping a journal really de-stresses you.

4. It's a great place to store your important notes.

A journal is a great place to write down things you want to remember, like poems you love, a title of a song you want to buy, quotes, an address, etc. You can also keep to-do or packing lists in your journal. It's handy to have all of your thoughts and important notes in one place.

5. It can help you remember things.

Writing things down has been proven to help you remember. Keeping a consistent journal is also great when you want to go back and read old entries. It can remind you of things you've achieved and show you the obstacles you've overcome. I just reread the journal I kept during my first year of college, and it was awesome to rediscover the good times I had forgotten, and to see how far I've grown.