Reasons to Keep a Journal

by Someone with a copious amount of notebooks

   "To be sure, I have begun half a dozen of them and got tired of them. Not tired of writing them, but disgusted with what I had to say of myself." - Stepping Heavenward

   I'm a writer. I love to write. I jot down story plots in the middle of an Algebra problem, spend a restless hour in bed until a certain character is finally well-created in my imagination, and practically narrate my life. Yes. I narrate - out loud - what I am thinking and doing.
   And sometimes in a Scottish accent.
   But that's beside the point.

   Ever since I was six or seven, I've been trying to keep a journal. It started by recording the events of the day. Then recording only special occasions and occasionally writing silly little stories.
Then it became more of a 'I'm having an emotional breakdown and need to write about it before I take it out on the world' sort of thing. Enough said.
   Then I would quit and forget about journaling for a year or two. Who needs to look back on all that ridiculousness anyways?
   Oh, wait! Look at that pretty notebook on the shelf at the craft store with that inspiring quote etched on the front and all those beautifully empty pages inside!!! It's just begging me to buy it and...
   You get the picture.
   Anyways, through all these years of turmoil, my view of journaling has changed some. To some people, simply writing down the days events may seem totally boring. Although I beg to differ with that argument, there are a few other things that can be done with an inspired pen and idle notebook that will bring blank pages to life.

•   Use your journal to record inspiring quotes - I can't tell you how many times I've read an amazing quote and then totally forgot about it. This one is a must!

• Design a bullet journal - This is basically like a planner for plotting out your goals, schedule, and ideas in a creative way. I could go into detail, but I'll save that for some other time and let you check out Pinterest for now. 

• One-sentence journaling. Write down one sentence every day. Write what you did, something you learned, or any random thought on how you're feeling. This is the quick and easy idea for those who want to remember, but don't have time to write a couple of pages a day. (I obviously don't do this one... but it's worth a try!)

•   Write out goals, ambitions or dreams for the day, tomorrow, or the year. - Not only has this helped me to actually remember what I'm planning on doing with my life, but it makes for delightful reminiscing in the years to come. Looking back on what I wanted, and seeing where I've come is challenging and sometimes fulfilling.

•   Take time to study a certain Bible character and apply their situation to your own. Write down what inspired you most about their journey and faith, then apply these attributes to daily life. (This one seems like hard work, but its not. Just make a list in your journal, or even on a sticky note that can slip into your Bible. Who knows - you might learn something new.)

•   Write down your prayers. - God wants us to talk directly with Him on a regular basis, but journaling these prayers can be helpful too. Imagine what you'll think when you look back on those prayers in the years to come!

•   Write down anything and everything that you are grateful for! - Psalms 103:2 says "Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits". The Lord wants us to remember His goodness to us. Don't just write down your misfortunes, write down your blessings!

•   Draw a sketch, write a poem, play with calligraphy, write down your favorite Bible verse on a notecard then paperclip it to the pages. Be creative! It doesn't have to look perfect, or make sense for that matter.

•   Organize! Organize your time, your spending habits, your To-Read lists, jot out sewing measurements or the flower garden plan... or a training schedual for your horse. (I'm not the only one who does the last one... right?) Make a list - get it done. 

   A journal can be good for more than just what I have listed above. Not only will it be good for you to write down your thoughts and prayers, or simply enjoy a little time playing with your pen, but in the years to come you will look back and see how much you've grown.
   Maybe you aren't much of a writer, but so what?! You don't have to write sentences or paragraphs or pages, just jot it all down in bullet-points, or do it all in sticky notes.
   You also have my permission to use your journal for nothing more than to press wildflowers.

   (Or just totally ignore this whole article. I won't be offended... just be careful or you might end up in my journal)