In this day and age, nearly everything we do is documented: Facebook statues, Instagram posts, Snapchat stories—you name it. From the fancy açaà bowl you ate this morning, to that Drake concert you went to last weekend, if you're anything like most of the millennial generation, your social media account probably consists of most of your whereabouts and experiences. So with that being said, what's the point of journaling if you pretty much already document everything you do anyway?
Even if the only purpose for writing in a journal was to document life so that we can look back on it later, it would still have such a distinct difference between how we document for social media, and how we document for a journal. That difference is simple; social media can document experiences for others to see, but writing in a journal can document experiences for only the writer.
I have been journaling probably since I was able to do so. But about 4 years ago when I really became committed to doing it consistently, it seriously changed my life. I firmly believe that anyone should try journaling at least once. Here are 3 reasons why.
1. It is insanely therapeutic.
There is nothing like letting all of your pent up stress and emotion out on a piece of paper. Maybe it's just me, but sometimes I have a million things going on in my mind after a stressful day, and I would do anything to just clear all the anxious thoughts out. Writing every thought or feeling down in a journal seriously makes a headspace go from this
to this:
2. It leads to self-awareness.
Self-awareness is defined as "conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires." Being self aware is so important in order to grow as a better person, treat others well, and accomplish your goals. The truth is, not enough people see this as an important trait these days. Becoming so consumed by how we are viewed on the internet instead of what our hearts genuinely are, is far too surface level for what I can personally tolerate. Writing down your innermost thoughts can cause you to realize the person you have been, are, and are becoming. Plus, how cool is it to be able to look back and see how much you've grown over time?
3. You can give your future self the coolest memento ever.
Most mementos in the 21st century are digital. Having a record of your life and era that's so genuine and tangible is something your 70-year-old self will surely appreciate. Take my word for it. When I spent a year living in Spain, I wrote almost everything down. Just look at what I got to bring back from that experience
Hurry! Run to target, buy your self a journal and some nice pens, and start your journaling journey!
