Why journal? The Benefits...
To remember – This may be the catalyst for all my journaling. Remembering includes recording events both ordinary and celebratory, experiences and relationships, exploration of ideas and information. Through writing, it is easier for me to re-member, put together and make sense of the various aspects of my life experience in a positive way.
Life is short and time flies by. So often, so does my recollection of things that in the moment are important to me. Journaling keeps a witness of my life story and what I value.
To gain insight and meaning – A word, letters are small things that open up whole worlds. Words are powerful. For me words are often keys to try, learn and explore truth. They often lead to imagery and use of symbols with layers of meaning.
explore symbolic meaning in a visual way - It is a treasure hunt. Because I enjoy searching for layers of meaning and symbols that represent deeper truth, journaling is a wonderful way to explore, learn, record the findings, and have fun!
To let go and heal – Processing emotions and traumatic events through writing can be extremely helpful and healthy, to “get it out.” This writing, which can also include drawing and painting, is a way of journaling that has been part of my own inner healing. The thing that I’ve found so helpful is once I get it out, I can see it, then deal with it, and work through forgiveness and restoration of my soul. When I close the journal it no longer goes with me. It is closed in the book. For me it is very freeing.
I realize there may be many more reasons to journal, such as to express oneself creatively etc. These are just a few benefits and reasons that are meaningful to me.
Please know most of my journal pages are filled with plain writing, they are not all like the ones shown in this post. These are from a series I did from my exploration of hymns and symbolism. This particular journal featured is a Moleskine journal dedicated to series that interest me. I used to include these series in my calendar/anything journals but found I fill those up and didn't want to run out of pages. I do the research for these types of pages in my calendar journal though.May you be blessed with creativity as you journal!