I’ve mentioned before how much I love journaling, but today I want to share what it truly means to me. Growing up, I always thought keeping a diary was the coolest thing. I admired those girls who scrapbooked and documented their lives daily, making it all look so effortless. But it wasn’t until 2020 that I truly committed to journaling myself.
Each year, I set New Year’s goals, and in 2020, I promised myself I’d journal every single day—even if it was just one sentence. It’s funny how that year turned out to be one of the most eventful years of my life (and probably everyone else’s). Between the pandemic, starting grad school at Baylor University, and everything in between, I’m beyond grateful I stuck to my goal and wrote every single day.
Now, I’m pretty picky about the journals I use. The pages have to be lined, with thick paper—none of that flimsy stuff where ink bleeds through. The size matters too. I like a medium-sized journal—small enough to be portable, but big enough that I’m not cramming my thoughts into tiny spaces. I know it sounds particular, but there’s something about writing in the “perfect journal” that makes the experience even better.
As for what I write? I don’t follow prompts. I just let the day guide me. Some days, my entries are light and simple. Other days, when emotions are running high, I pour everything out—anger, joy, frustration, hope. It’s my way of processing life. I write everything I may not say out loud or ever say to someone else- it is my private entry. No matter what, I always end my entry with a sentence about something I’m grateful for. And I’ve learned that, even on the worst days, there’s always something to be thankful for. That simple practice has done wonders for my mental health, shifting my mindset in ways I never expected.
One of the best things about journaling is being able to look back and relive a moment in time. I love that I can tell you exactly what I was doing on a specific day since 2020. It’s like a personal time capsule of my life. And beyond the nostalgia, it’s been a way for me to see how much I’ve grown and how resilient I’ve become.
When I left my previous job, journaling was what helped me get through the burnout. I poured hours into writing about my thoughts, feelings, concerns, and questions. It was therapeutic in a way that nothing else could be at that moment. It allowed me to sort through the chaos in my head and find some clarity.
Journaling is the one place where I can be totally honest with myself, no filters, no judgments. Over time, it’s become one of the best self-care habits I’ve picked up. If you’ve ever thought about journaling, I highly recommend giving it a shot. Even if you just write one sentence a day, you’d be surprised at what you can learn about yourself.
Leave a Reply