Just Why is Journaling So Great Anyway?

"I saw Danny today at choir practice. I am sure I must be in love with him because I get a funny tingling up and down my back when I see him! He looked at me and asked if I liked Skittles and of course, I said yes. I felt my face get hot and wasn't sure if he could tell, but surely this must be love."

My diary was my best friend in 7th grade. Reading back through it I notice some of my entries were very cringeworthy, although there's something somewhat endearing to the above entry, journaling about my first crush, circa 1985 - ish.

Be it a diary, a journal or a trusty notebook, writing out your innermost thoughts has become a steadfast recommendation by mental health professionals everywhere.

In my book, Uncover Your Story, Discover Your Life, I talk about how to create a life map in order to begin writing your life story. A life map is a chronological timeline of sorts where you document all the highs and lows of your life. It's a great way to set up the 'outline' for your memoir or autobiography and this is where those old journals and diaries come in very handy, especially if your memory isn't what it used to be!

Journaling is as great a learning tool as it is a healing method. I have learned so much about myself and uncovered layers upon layers of what makes me tick. Not to mention, the cathartic effect of pouring out your emotions and feelings on paper has become known as a cheap way to get therapy (not that I'm recommending it in lieu of speaking with a professional if you need it!)

What about you? Did you have a diary or a journal as a kid? Or even today? If you don't, I encourage you to just do it. Pick up a beautiful journal and start writing. It's not only therapeutic, but a great way to document your life as you get started on your life story.