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Top 10 Reasons to Journal

by Joyce Moseley Pierce

Top 10 Reasons to Journal (673 words) by: Joyce Moseley Pierce I have been a faithful journaler since about 1980. I started out in 1978 by writing my thoughts in a steno notebook. As I learned how to put more expression in my thoughts, I moved on to a spiral notebook. I've tried journals with lined paper and lined looseleaf paper to put in my own three-ring notebooks, but because I am much faster at typing than writing, I now keep my journal on the computer. In years past I have typed the pages and printed them out, but in 2002, I typed my thoughts and just saved them on a CD. It takes up a lot less room and also allows me to have a password to protect my thoughts. It doesn't really matter how you record your thoughts. The important thing is that you do record them. For me, once I record my feelings and events, I can lay them aside and move on. Reasons for keeping a journal: 1. Record your own thoughts. Write about the things that touch your heart. Write about your activities. Write about your frustrations; your heartaches. It helps you see how you've spent your time. 2. Write about what your kids and grandkids do. My daughters have come to me and asked things about their own children. For instance, "Do you remember the word Chris used to say for 'french fries'?" Record those tender moments with them that touched your heart. 3. Relieve stress. When you're angry or confused, just let the words flow and get it all out of your system. It will help you both physically and mentally. 4. Help in analyzing situations. If you can write honestly, you'll find that you lose yourself in your writing. You may find additional meaning to the things you say or do. 5. Record facts. This is helpful if you ever need to go back and remember something important. You may even find it helpful if you have to prove something to someone. The other day I was trying to remember the name of a hotel in Dallas where we had stayed. When all else failed, I got my journal out, looked up the date we were there, and found it. "I'm here at the Harvey Hotel in Dallas on LBJ Freeway and Coit." When I shared this with my friend, she said, "Did you happen to write the phone number?" 6. Record events. Sometimes it seems that we don't always remember things the way they really happened. Not only do I forget the details, but sometimes my husband, or other family members just remember them in different ways. We may discuss it for awhile and try to figure out the "truth," but in the end, my journal is the final word because it is the only record! 7. Record feelings. My husband and I recently celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary. After dinner I shared my journal entry for another special anniversary a few years ago. Some of the activities of that day that had been forgotten were brought back to the present and it touched both of our hearts. 8. Set an example for your children. Teach them early to record their thoughts and activities. 9. Explore your talents. Let your feelings flow without critiquing the way you write them. Just pour out your heart and you'll be amazed at how your writing abilities will increase. 10. For posterity. Leave a record for your children, and don't sugar-coat it. Let them know how you felt about being a parent, what was important to you, what things have special meaning in your life. There are many advantages and reasons for keeping a journal. If you're not currently writing about your life, consider starting right now. It's the beginning of a new year, and in some cases the beginning of a new life. Write about it now, while it's fresh, and you will find that it will give you, and your posterity, a better insight on who you are. Copyright (c)2002 Joyce Moseley Pierce

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