Why Is Journaling Important?
I have just completed my quarter 3 reflection ritual and yes it is a journaling process. I have used this process for a while now, however only started sharing it with people this year as part of the end-of-year ritual. Whilst doing the journaling, I developed further insights in to my actions and habits and where I am in my life at the present time.
For me, this is enough reason to keep this ritual going, however it got me thinking – what if you were new to the idea of journaling, why is it important? Or if you have let the habit of journaling go for a while, why would you want to start it again? Subsequently, I wanted to share some of the reasons why journaling is important to me.
What is Journaling?
Journaling is a tool for self-reflection and a skill of self-awareness. Basically, journaling is writing down your thoughts and feelings about your life experiences in a journal or diary. To journal is to keep –
- “A personal record of occurrences, experiences, and reflections kept on a regular basis; a diary.” ~ The Free Dictionary
- “a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use” ~ Merriam-Webster, and
- “to write self-examining or reflective journal entries” ~ Dictionary.com
As you can see by the above definitions of journaling, it is about looking within. So, now we are on the same page about journaling, let’s have a look at why it is important to journal and living whole-heartedly!
9 Reasons Why Journaling Is Important
For me, journaling has been an essential skill for me over the years. I journaled as a young person (from tennis results to challenges I was having to my dreams) and then started up the habit a while back now. So today I wanted to share with you some of the reasons why journaling is important to me. Following are nine reasons why I journaling is important to me.
1. To Develop Self-Awareness
“The starting point of discovering who you are, your gifts, your talents, your dreams, is being comfortable with yourself. Spend time alone. Write in a journal.” ~ Robin Sharma and “Journal writing gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become.” ~ Sandra Marinella
For me, this is one of the clearest reasons why it is important for me to invest time to journal. Subsequently – am not sure if I need to add any more 🙂
2. To Pay Attention to What is Going on Within Me
“Journaling is paying attention to the inside for the purpose of living well from the inside out.” ~ Lee Wise and “When I look back on my personal story through my journals, it struck me my words had an unmatched power to heal me. To change me.” ~ Sandra Marinella
I don’t know about you, however sometimes I have struggled to share what is going on within me, as I wasn’t really sure. Writing a journal has really helped me to start to notice what was going on and pay greater attention to what I needed.
3. To Focus
“Writing in a journal each day allows you to direct your focus to what you accomplished, what you’re grateful for and what you’re committed to doing better tomorrow. Thus, you more deeply enjoy your journey each day.” ~ Hal Elrod and “Who we are and where we want to go determines what we do now and what we accomplish over time.” ~ Jimmy Tomczak
I don’t know about you, however sometimes life gets overwhelming and I don’t know what to do first. Journaling centres me, grounds me and helps me to focus on what my next step is.
4. To Just Be Me
“I don’t journal to ‘be productive.’ I don’t do it to find great ideas or to put down prose I can later publish. The pages aren’t intended for anyone but me. It’s the most cost-effective therapy I’ve ever found.” ~ Tim Ferriss and “Documenting little details of your everyday life becomes a celebration of who you are.” ~ Carolyn V. Hamilton
Yep, agree. Not sure anything else needs to be said 🙂
5. To Think Things Through
“For me, writing is a way of thinking. I write in a journal a lot. I’m a very impatient person, so writing and meditation allow me to slow down and watch my mind; they are containers that keep me in place, hold me still.” ~ Ruth Ozeki and “The habit of writing for my eye is good practice. It loosens the ligaments.” ~ Virginia Woolf
Journaling helps me to untangle from overthinking and gets my thoughts on paper. This helps me to seperate from them and then decide what step to take next (if any, as sometimes the writing is enough).
6. To Transform Limiting Beliefs
“Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding.” ~ Jen Williamson and “What you believe you deserve is what you get in life. Change your beliefs and your life transforms.” ~ Jaclyn Nicole Johnston
By being with my own thoughts and experiences that are happening now, I can start to see what needs attention, so I can transform the limiting beliefs and continue to expand and create.
7. To Listen to Myself
“Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time.” ~ Mina Murray and “Writing is the only way I have to explain my own life to myself.” ~ Pat Conroy
Yes, this is a little different from number 1, however they are intertwined.
8. To Connect With My Heart
“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.” ~ William Wordsworth and “I want to write, but more than that, I want to bring out all kinds of things that lie buried deep in my heart.” ~ Anne Frank.
I don’t know about you, however staying connected to my courage and heart is essential in my world.
9. To Put Down the Burden
“What a comfort is this journal. I tell myself to myself and throw the burden on my book and feel relieved.” ~ Anne Lister and “This pouring thoughts out on paper has relieved me. I feel better and full of confidence and resolution.” ~ Diet Eman
Journaling for me helps me to put down the burden that I carry and feel comfortable in my own little world.
Over to You…
I hope this post has helped you to see why journaling is important! Are there any other reasons you would add? If so, feel free to share them below 🙂
Want to start journaling? Click here to see the variety of journals I have written and of course you are welcome to join the Coming Home to You Growth Haven, where we journal online twice a month. Click here to find out more.
Yes, this article has allowed me a deeper insight into writing a journal that will allow me to dig deeper into who I am as a person.
Glad to hear you found it useful James.
taking a look at accountability is what i get out of journaling
Thanks for sharing Nicole – yes accountability – love it!
Hello,
After reading through the lesson, I am more knowledgeable, wiser and better with journaling. I have learnt so much about the following areas such as: Listening to my own heart, paying attention to what’s happening around me, to be focus and to think things through etc. I have also learnt that journaling helps me to release the stress of life and to express myself freely without being judged and is a form of the healing process.
Journaling helps me to look back on my life and things that may be pent up and to help me release the stresses of life, and things that I may have held on to.
Thanks for sharing Teshinia – appreciate it.
thank you for sharing that – I really appreciate that it meant a lot to me to read
Glad you liked it Anthony!
Journaling has allowed me to slow down and to focus more on the most important things first.
Lovely to hear that Morgan!
Teshinia,
I too share the same point that journaling helps releasing the stress of life. I realize that putting pen to paper is sometimes better that talking to some one in person. Its a form of pouring out our hearts freely, without hesitation and not being judged. Thank you so much for sharing this valuable point.
This was very useful in my education.
Thanks,
Shaun Britt
Glad you found it useful Shaun!
This article has opened not only my eyes but also my mind i never looked at journaling in such a way i always just thought it was just some weird book that people wrote in to talk about others and whatever else they couldn’t or didn’t want to say aloud.
thank you for sharing was a interesting read
Glad it was helpful Sean.
Sean,
Your so right about that. At first it looks so weird seeing others writing down everything but now I understand that its not just writing for writing sake, its a form of freeing ourself from everything that seems so heavy and unbearable that we have experience during our daily lives. It the releasing of tension, stress, frustration, pain among may other issues. Thank you so much for sharing.
Hi Jane,
My name is Slade and I agree with writing in a journal, I have a small journal that I write in every few nights it helps me to unwind from stressful days or just as well it helps me keep my prayer lists together. I read one time that we should pray for people right then but prayer has never been my strong suit. I can have a great prayer here and there but a strength I do have is to keep up with them in a journal, that way when one is answered i get to look back and remember that I was praying for that persons healing or for them to get a new position at work. Plus, as a follower of Jesus there is always scripture at the bottom of the page, and it always fills my soul with personal healing.
Thank you for this article,
Slade A. Thorne
Thanks for sharing Slade, nice to hear that journaling is useful for you also.
Maybe it will actually be able to help me dig deeper into the person I am.
And maybe what Shaylee
I love to journal but never delved deep into the why. I used it to empty myself out, talk to the Lord, ask questions, yet would never return to those pages. After reading this article, I am excited to return to the pages to see how much I have grown as well as to purposely write new ones. Thank you. This was a breath of fresh air.
Thanks for sharing Destiny – yes sometimes I find myself just writing away and other times I re-read what I have written – it really depends. Take good care 🙂
Hi. My name is Denise. I love your article and the quotes you shared. I’d like to share that I began my journaling journey 12 years ago. My sister’s friend, who I did not know at the time, randomly came to me and told me “I felt in my heart to give you this journal” On the cover of the journal it said “For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” Jeremiah 29:11. At first, I thought it was so weird because I did not know her and as I can remember, she gifted a stranger a gift. But I embraced it. It was the beginning of letting go of many things that I did not know I was holding on to. It was definitely a God- given tool. However, just a few months ago, I stopped journaling because I shared with someone that I kept 12 years of journaling and in my observation, I noticed a pattern that needed to be broken. As I shared, the person scoffed and made a remark that put me at halt. And I kind of stopped until today. This article brought me to realization that journaling is not about other people but about me. Whether people believe in it or not… I write for me, for my sanity, for my healing and for my freedom. Again, Thank you for your article. It took me back to my passion.
Thank you Denise for sharing this with me and so lovely you reconnected with journaling again.
i am not too good at journaling but maybe its because i don’t try to do it enough. Recently i have notice that once i start to journal it is getting easier my thoughts just start flowing and next thing you know i have written quite a bit and i feel a sense of relief thank you for article
Thanks for sharing Phillip!
I enjoy journaling because it helps me with my thoughts and it also gets me out of my head.
Thanks for sharing Gina – I agree with you!
Journaling is relevant to our daily activities.. Especially me. Because, it remind and direct me of my day and night routine prayers, insights and work as well. It keeps me in schedule with my Christ-Life activity over the past years. Experiences in the past and present.
Thanks for sharing words Tamba – appreciate it.
Journaling is absolutely important. I use it as a coping skill,as a relaxation technique, and sometimes to help me fall asleep. My favorite kind of journaling is is guided journaling, I enjoy the structure of organized questions that pick apart my brain in a creative way.
Thanks for sharing Allie – lovely to hear how it helps you.
Journaling is a good thing to do since its helps to organize activities but for some reason, i am not consistent with it. I am going to start journaling again and try my best to be consistent with it in order to enjoy the benefits.
Thanks for sharing Vivien – if you would like to be in a group and journal – you are welcome to join our Mindful Hearts Growth Haven https://janetaylor.net/mindful-hearts-growth-haven/ With care, Jane
Loved reading this. I have always wrote down my thoughts, feelings, goals, plans etc. I love to write. Although I have never thought about journaling I think maybe one day I will start.
Thanks so much for sharing Priscilla – yes there is something about actually writing things down. Let me know if you start and of course you are also invited to join us in the Mindful Hearts Growth Haven https://janetaylor.net/mindful-hearts-growth-haven/
I actually used to journal when I was younger and it certainly helped tremendously. I am a mother now so it’s hard to find time to sit down and write, but it’s something I’d love to get back into. Thanks for sharing and I found the article very helpful and relatable.
Thanks Jasmine for sharing – hope you are able to get back in to journalling as it seems like it is something you in-joy! You are more than welcome to join us in the Mindful Hearts Growth if that appeals to you. With care, Jane https://janetaylor.net/mindful-hearts-growth-haven/
i enjoyed reading this, i have never thought of writing a journal until recently when i joined CCU because i want to make sure i submit all my assignments on time, however journaling will help me to record my personal development and milestones and the ability to think clearly by writing down my thoughts. Thank you
Thanks so much for sharing Alice – good luck with your studies!
This is so what I needed to read. As a young girl, I used to keep notes everywhere. As an adult, I still do, this gives me direction and organization. Makes so much sence. Thank you
So pleased that resonated with you Linda – take good care!
Wow!! It really inspired me to start my own and personal journal today!
Thanks for sharing Claudia.
Thank you for this! I love journaling. Your post brought out so much more reflection. It is necessary to “write it out” daily to evolve:) Powerful!
Thanks for sharing Fefe!
Journaling is a exercise of the mind where you can be honest with yourself, it can help you see your growth in life and areas you can work on
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Christon – have a great day!
Wow! As i read through the many responses regarding journaling, I’m touch by the impact it has on ones life. It was also very interesting. Yesterday I was at a hospital waiting room and on the television was a discussion on Journaling. It is very eye opening for the number of positive effect it has on our lives. I will get myself a journal.
Thanks for sharing Patricia – yes journalling for me has been so important. Would love to hear how you find it if you do get yourself a journal!
For me Journaling or Freedom writing, as I call it, began as a daily account of what all occurred to me in the day. When friends or family would tell stories that I was a part of, I had little or no memory of the instances they were referring. I wanted to remember.
It has since evolved into Praises and prayers to my lord and savior Jesus Christ. The growth to my mind, memory and soul has been so rewarding. I have watched myself transform with each and every page I write. I recommend Journaling to any and everyone who want a record of the glorious change that is so apparent when we choose to hold ourselves accountable by writing down our actions of our daily choices.
May God reveal himself to you and show you who you were created to be.
Thanks so much for sharing Jennifer – lovely to hear the profound effect journalling (or Freedom writing as you call it) has had on you!
One thing I have noticed with many of the pastors that I listen to talk about how it is important to keep a journal and or having a diary. For one to keep track of prayer requests, dreams and daily events. I am going to start one especially if we will be writing our thoughts out. As I am getting older, I feel I am forgetting a lot more and keeping a journal will help me in that aspect.
Thanks Sandra for sharing. Yes we are never too old (or young to start). Hope you in-joy it!
Thank you for sharing it’s amazing to find out that journaling is good, it is like a diary thinking out loud except for me mind thoughts was in my mind and not on paper.
Thanks so much for sharing Sherry – I agree – gotta love journalling!
I really enjoyed this piece, ”Why Journaling Is Important”. It reminded me of the time I to use to journal and allowed life to hinder my progress. I must agree with the writer, journaling helped me with all 9 reasons, why journaling is important. I am really going to enjoy this assignment.
Thanks for sharing Mitchell – be kind to your Self!
Hello Jane I really enjoyed your reasons and thoughts on journaling, pretty much every word you wrote spoke to me on how I feel when I journal and how I feel relieved to just lay my burdens, my feelings my ups and downs my joys and hurts and everything above. For me its just like praying I am really talking to God letting him have it. I thank you God Bless
Thanks so much for sharing Kimberly – appreciate it. So pleased journalling gives you that feeling – take good care, Jane
very helpful and insightful. I appreciated the readings .
Glad you found it helpful and insightful Stephen – have a great day!
I have never thought of journaling, but this article has helped me find a space to meet with myself, talk to myself, and challenge myself about the real dealings within me. I will try this and see the changes this brings to me. Thank you
I love journaling because it gives me a piece of mind. I have time expressing how I feel at times or thinking so l am really into journal because I just start writting
Thanks so much for sharing Andrea!
I’ve never journaled before but after reading this I think it’s time. I think it will be very useful because it will give me a space to slow down and reflect on my thoughts, feelings and experiences. Wow! Thanks Jane.
You’re welcome Stephanie – feel free to let mw know how you go if you do try journalling. With care, Jane
This article is something that I needed to see. I use to journal all the time growing up and now after reading this article. It definitely made me really think why did I ever stop doing it.Thank you Jane for sharing this.
Thanks so much for taking the time to respond William. Remember be kind to yourself as sometimes we just need reminders why things are important.
Great article! Thank you for the strong reminder of the benefits of journaling. Throughout my life I journaled in diaries as a child and the cute journals that I’ve received as gifts from different gatherings. I’ve never been consistent which is unfortunate. I still to this day reap wonderful benefits from my reflections. I do believe some of the key points of focusing and self-awareness of my internal person will draw me back to journaling and possibly with more consistency. Thank you again for your information.
Thanks for sharing Tomeko – you are welcome and hope you find the consistency if that is what you are after!
This was profound to read, seeing the different perspectives that each individual; had from journaling was inspiring!
Thanks for sharing Eva!