Why Journal?
The post I had written for today proved to be too raw and personal for a blog attached to my business. If you really want to see me vulnerable and open, you can read it here.
I’ve thought a lot lately about the benefits journaling has had for me personally. I would happily speak to any group about those benefits. They are professional, creative, artistic, healing, spiritual, and, above all, personal. I think that’s why I don’t post on the topic of journaling more frequently. It leaves me far too uncovered for comfort’s sake.
In fact, it is nearly impossible for me to keep a post on journaling to under 1000 words. I did it on my personal blog by chopping so severely I left the piece bleeding. It’s still over 700 words. It is, in a word, my testimony to the benefits of keeping a journal.
Let me give you the brief list of benefits, and please understand there is so much more:
- Journaling helps to settle your thoughts and can help you make decisions.
- Writers find benefit by developing the daily writing habit and to keep their skills sharp.
- Words can heal, help you cope, and teach you about yourself.
- Professional journals can help you track your goals, progress, and productivity.
- Creative journals are the best kind of swipe file.
- Journaling has been proven to lower blood pressure and help patients cope with physical pain (mileage may vary).
- Journaling can bleed excess thoughts out of your brain…important for conceptual thinkers and creatives.
- Journaling can release emotional pressure, dilute anger, sorrow and worry.
- Keeping a paper journal is often a time of relaxation and transition between parts of your day.
- Reading over a journal allows insights into yourself and your character.
- Prayer journals (prayers on paper) can be rewarding and encourage spiritual growth.
- Keeping a journal for each child becomes a priceless gift later on.
- A journal is one of the most entertaining and economical past times there is.
- There are no rules. Write what you want, when you want and for whom you want.
I can’t begin to count the number of notebooks and journals I’ve kept over 24 years. If you have the interest and the time, I’ll buy you a cup of coffee and bend your ear for a few hours on what it has meant to me personally and as a writer.
Until then, I’ll say this: If you don’t have a journal, consider one. Seriously.
Hi B J
Yeah, I have all kinds of journals. The problem is, I kinda a get distracted at times and before I know it, I move onto another journal. I use this software called “The Journal.” A neat resource to have. I also keep a notepad with me so when those ideas come and can quickly record them before there lost. It’s easy to forget in an age of information overload.
-Miguel
I have far too many notebooks myself, Miguel.
(I think they breed at night). Unless I have a specific project going, everything goes into one notebook now. Easier for me.
Thanks for stopping by!