The Importance of Journaling
I have been using journaling to process my thoughts and feelings so I can start to share my story again. I had been totally overwhelmed with trying to remember my story, so I went back and started rereading my journals. I was surprised to see how I was up one day and down the next then up again and down again the next. It truly was a rollercoaster ride, and not a pleasant one at that. I lived in California for almost 20 years and my memory seems to squish it all together. Rereading my journals, I had not realized all the stuff I’d gone through as well as the good times. I’m also either missing a journal or I stopped writing for about 6 years. Those are memories that I won’t get back.
Came across a journal entry that says, “I’m never quite sure what to write. I don’t know how much to express my feelings. I don’t know if I want anyone to read what I’m writing. Supposedly journals are written for posterity.” There are two types of journaling: one is to keep a record and the other is to process feelings and emotions. It’s not necessary to keep them separate unless you want to do what some people call a “burn journal.” This is when you write exactly what you are feeling and then at some point destroy the journal.
Journaling has been invaluable to me. If you haven’t read my earlier post on how I learned to journal more effectively, read it here. I also found this article from the University of Rochester Medical Center that talks about journaling for mental health.
Happy journaling!
I have huge gaps in my journaling also! I just
hope heaven kept record!