The Benefits of Journaling or Keeping a Diary

Journaling or diary writing is an important aspect of life for many creative types, including poets, artists, songwriters, novelists, and actors. You will find that regular journaling allows you to connect with your "inner critic" in a positive and meaningful way-rather than worrying about the same things all day long, putting pen to paper lets you "release" worries.

The other great benefit of keeping a journal is that you will have a record of the direction your life is taking. I love looking back at old journal entries from months or even years ago, to see how much I have changed (and how much I have stayed the same).

People frequently turn to their diaries after a bad relationship break-up, loss of a loved one, financial problems, or serious illness-but you need not wait for a personal crisis to begin reaping the benefits of journaling.

Go buy yourself a thick, leatherbound journal or sturdy diary from the local stationery shop (or a Barnes & Noble if nothing else is in your area).

Date each entry and write on whatever topic interests you for fifteen to twenty minutes each day. There will be some days when you will feel as if "nothing has happened" and you, therefore, have nothing to chronicle in your journal. Don't worry about this; use the time to write about something that has been on your mind, even if your day has been boring or uneventful.

Over time, your journal will become a means of personal recordkeeping and also a trusted friend-one that listens and never rushes to judgment.

Encourage yourself to put your most personal and intimate thoughts in your journal. It's a great way to release troubling thoughts and ambitions.

Of course, you should hide your journal in a safe, secret place where others will not stumble across it. Many relationships have been ruined after one partner finds the other's secretive journal musings! So make sure your journal is well-hidden from nosy friends, family, and partners.

Some journals come with a "lock"-but journal locks are pretty dainty and can easily be broken. If you are putting personal information into your journal on a regular basis, why not buy a personal safe? They only cost around $80 and it will preserve your journal for many years to come. When you fill up one journal, you can begin a new one and save them all in your personal safe.

I find that I go through a new journal approximately every nine to ten months. Your usage may vary depending on how often you write, and for how long. Don't give yourself a "page per day" quota or anything like that-this should be fun and enriching at all times, not an annoying chore!