I remember writing a journal when I was younger of the day to day things that we did. I recorded when we went swimming or what I had done that day. A very basic run through of my day, but it must have been noteworthy to little eight or nine year old me. When I was a teenager I was a bit more sporadic at writing a journal. But I found it was more and more about thoughts and feelings rather than just what I had been up to.
My parents moved house just a couple of years ago and so they were having a sort through of lots of our things. I found some old journals from my teen years, including poems I had written and random thoughts on different people at school and plenty about boys! It was so funny to read back and see where I was in my head all of that time ago. Quite bitter and angry it seems at some points too haha.
From there I have always kept somewhat of a journal. This blog is an extension of my journal, but I don’t share absolutely everything on here. So I still have a journal that I keep private to share my thoughts and feelings. Do you keep a journal or have a personal organiser or diary to keep you organised and up to date with what is happening in your life? If you don’t, then maybe this year is the time to start? Here is why I love it:
It is Therapeutic
Writing in general, whether that is on here or on paper, is really therapeutic. It is relaxing for me at least. I find that writing out my thoughts and feelings with someone who doesn’t answer back or doesn’t try to solve the problems helps me too. There is no judgement. It helps to take the edge of some feelings I suppose and helps me to work through things. Even if it is that I am just feeling overwhelmed, or if i am struggling with something. Once it has been taken off my mind, so to speak, it helps to give a bot of clarity. If anything it just makes me realise how crazy I sound sometimes!
You Get To Know Yourself
One thing I noticed when I was reading back my old teenage journals was just how much I have changed. Though I was much slimmer than I am now and looked physically a lot nicer, I was so insecure about it. I am an introvert too and pretty shy, even more so back then. So reading it back was almost a little painful. But it shows me how much I have changed and have grown in confidence (despite looking much worse now lol). I see now how I solve problems and deal with certain situations. So now I am more conscious of how I deal with things and in what ways I respond best.
You Keep a Record
Like I have read my journals back, theoretically so could my family members in the future. My kids can read them and realise that mum did go through a lot of the stuff that they are going through. I hope that is the case anyway. Equally, keeping a journal and jotting down what I do for my daily activities and thoughts on things, also brings a hit of the very ‘now’ buzzword hygge into your life. After all, it’s all about living in the moment and capturing those precious memories.
*thanks to Pen Heaven for my beautiful leather embossed organiser.
I used to write a journal as a child too. I hope they went inthe bin because I can imagine them being quite cringe worthy!
Very interesting perspective
I never have kept a journal, my blog is mine now but I don’t share everything on it either! I can see why it would be good to write it all down though and get things off your chest. Maybe I should start writing one!
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I have the very same Filofax you photographed although mine is a few years old now and looking slightly worse for wear x
I have written a journal sporadically throughout my life. I wrote in one all the time in my early 20s. But I couldn’t bare to keep them or read through them. It is lovely to record your feelings and it is so therapeutic. Hugs Lucy xxxx
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I think this is partly why I blog; so the kids can look back and see what life was like when they were little. I don’t know about you but we rarely print photos anymore and it’s lovely to see them displayed on the blog as memories. Having said that there is something lovely about a handwritten journal – I need more hours in the day!
I personally don’t keep what people would describe as a traditional journal but I do have a Filofax which I note everything I do in. Just can’t get to grips with electronic diaries and much prefer the old fashioned way
I always have good intentions when I start a journal, but usually give up after a month or so!
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I found one of my old journals from age 14 and it was so funny to read it all back. I’m planning to start a bullet journal this year, because I find writing things down really therapeutic too.
I’ve always kept a journal of some kind, even now. I share most of myself on my blog but it is nice to have somewhere to spill all of my thoughts. Love the organiser you got!
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One of my new years resolutions was to start keeping a journal again. I used to when I was younger, it was so therapeutic through all those teenage blues!
xo Millie
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I love my diary and wouldn’t be without it!
I have one too and especially fill it in when I am stressed or worried I find it helps ! It’s good to look back on it and see your thoughts and feelings over time.