It is often said when experiencing fun periods in life "that was unforgettable" or "I'll remember this for the rest of my life". However, as time passes by, these treasured memories are only remembered partially, and not as thoroughly as when we experienced them in the moment. So why not fashion these memories so that they endure the degradation of time by documenting your life with the simple adjunct of pen and paper? It is an act that consumes no time at all, and ten years from now, you will remember things that would have probably been forgotten. I stand by this as when on a five-day school trip to Gwynedd, Wales, my teacher made us write a journal at the end of each day, whether it be based on our activities from sea-level traversing to cave exploration, to simple comical moments, it was open to self-interpretation. At the time I was reluctant and saw no value in it; however, three years later, I am glad he pushed us to do so as the same feelings of adventure arise as I read the journal back. So here are three main reasons why I believe that it is essential to document more of your life than you probably do.

Evokes Forgotten Memories

Even with our youthful memories, there are aspects of the day we forget as time passes by. The act of writing your memories down will trigger subdued ones when reading your journal back, and that same vitality that was previously experienced during a specific moment will emanate from the paper. By writing a journal, you will know exactly who, at whatever moment in time, contributed to making that day, and collectively, the whole year special to you.

Reflective

It is good to take some time and reflect on the day. You will appreciate all the minute things that made each day memorable and maybe perhaps encourage you to be more adventurous to create parallel excitement for the next year.

A Priceless Gift To You

You will thank yourself at the end of the year; imagine reading 365 pages of your life in one, concise journal? You will be able to follow a timeline of events unique to you, one that will certainly engross many akin. It will be a piece of literature with no affixation of monetary price, but a sentimental value that nobody can afford.