The Rewarding Benefits of Keeping a Journal

I have kept a personal journal for over 20 years and the benefits indeed have been rewarding. Keeping a personal journal is an expressive, non formal way to document your thoughts and life experiences. One key benefit is that you have an outlet to express what you may not be able to say to others out loud. A personal journal allows you to take a look back through time to see the trials you once endured and overcame. It's a great way to reassure you as a strong person able to overcome tough roads in life.

Another benefit of a personal journal is of course recording the happy times in your life. The joy you felt when your child took their first steps, the promotion you received at work, you just met the new love of your life are all good reasons to want to get your thoughts down on paper.

All you need to start journaling is the desire to put your heartfelt feeling into words. What you choose to write on reflects who you are; it is all about being comfortable. You really do not need expensive stationary and notebooks to journal in. If that's what you choose, that perfectly fine. I personally have a specific type of pen and notebook I like to write in. The Bic Pilot Point Pen is my favorite and a basic black and white covered composition notebook is my tools for journaling. I also use my computer's Word application from time to time.

Let me again mention that writing in a journal is non-formal. You do not have to worry about the grammar police breathing down your throat. There is no set format for keeping a journal. I do recommend including the date on each entry, but that about it. You can write as much or as little as you want in each entry.
Your journal will become part of who you are. It will be something that you will cherish. In years to come you will be able to sit back and reflect on how you have grown as a person. You will be surprised to see that what worried you in the past does not even cross your mind in the present.

Finally, the biggest benefit of keeping a journal is the fact that you have the chance to be honest with yourself. Often with the outside world we put on a big act, but with a journal you can be who you are and not worry about criticism.