You know, you read a lot about people journaling. How to journal, how to write, how to blog,
how to be successful in... blah, blah, blah. But one question they never seem to answer is why you would want to journal? Why would you want to write down your thoughts and feelings, especially in a way that probably won’t make you famous or get you money? What is the value in it?
Well, I can’t really answer that question except to say why I started journaling. You see, even as a child I loved to write. I wrote stories and poems all the time. However, writing down my thoughts and feelings just seemed stupid. I had diaries given to me many times and I had no idea what to do with them. I eve, at one point, wrote the date I would turn eighteen in the beginning of one diary because I thought that at that point I would have something important to write about. Isn’t that silly?
Don’t get me wrong. Every once in a while when I was very upset I would use a journal to vent. I would get all my anger out on the pages and feel some relief that way. You see, I was a very private person and never wanted to share when I was upset, sad, or angry. I felt like negative emotions should be hidden and not spoken about. I’m not saying that is a healthy way to look at it, but it was my way at the time.
As a matter of fact, I felt that same way up until my late twenties. Through many trials and tribulations I discovered that I could discuss my feelings with others, though it was still difficult for me. What made it easier was writing it down first. If I got it all lined up on paper where I could see it, then I could be clearer and more reasonable when I talked about what was upsetting me.
That is why I started journaling. I needed to get my thoughts in order, especially when I was upset. Gradually, that turned into a weekly practice. We all go through difficulties in life and I managed them by writing down my fears, concerns and strategies for dealing with them. This helped me get my head clear enough to think when I was confronted by conflicts.
There are many reasons to write in a journal, and my experience is just one example. You may want to write for different reasons. There is no wrong reason to write. If you feel the desire, then go for it. Even if it doesn’t make any sense that does not matter. What matters is that you get it out where you can deal with it openly, honestly, and in a healthy way.
Author Bio
Heather Smith is an ex-nanny. Passionate about thought leadership and writing, Heather regularly contributes to various career, social media, public relations, branding, and parenting blogs/websites. She also provides value to http://www.nanny.net/service by giving advice on site design as well as the features and functionality to provide more and more value to nannies and families across the U.S. and Canada. She can be available at H.smith7295 [at] gmail.com.
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