Journal for your Thoughts?

What do Theodore Roosevelt, Mark Twain, Virginia Woolf, Anne Frank, and Leonardo da Vinci have in common? They all kept diaries, or in modern parlance, they "journaled." And you can do it too, and perhaps you should. The merits of journaling are numerous, and research has even shown its benefits for the mind and body. While it may seem far-fetched that a few scribbles on paper can have such profound effects, I will share my own experience with journaling, which began almost four years ago. During this time, my journal has been a witness to many significant life events, including two major surgeries, job loss, home loss, and the passing of a family member. It has also chronicled moments of new love, exciting developments, relocation, and profound self-discovery.

So, what makes journaling great?

I have many answers, but I would say the top among them is that I can freely express anything that comes to mind, knowing it will remain private. Perhaps even more importantly, I can see my thoughts in front of me, tangibly on the page. There is something profoundly important about seeing my thoughts rather than experiencing them as a buzzing, swirling cloud in my head. Journaling has provided me with a better understanding of how I think, in addition to allowing me to express what I think.

A journal is a window into your past, present, and future self. During moments of despair, I often turn back  and revisit old entries. By examining my previous mental state through my writing, I can gain some clarity and always take something meaningful from it. Sometimes, I read entries from darker times in my life and gain a deeper appreciation for what I have now. Other times, I encounter instances of my own past ignorance about my place in life, and it brings a smile to my face, knowing how much I have grown.

Men, this one is especially for you: Write down your feelings! Working in social work and interacting with men, I have discovered that so many have so few outlets for expressing emotions. This can create a lack of emotional intelligence and lead to difficulties at work, in relationships, and even with friends and family. While there are complex reasons behind this issue, that is a topic for another time. When you write down your feelings, you become aware of them, and through the act of putting them into words, you learn how to express your emotions. I cannot stress enough how valuable it has been for me to put my feelings on these pages and, more importantly, to discover new ways of expressing myself. Many of us have experienced the frustration of having a feeling but struggling to convey it effectively to others. Journaling helps overcome that hurdle.

If I haven't convinced you of the value of journaling through my personal account, let me inform you that studies have shown its ability enhance cognitive abilities, memory, and alleviate depression and anxiety. If you start journaling now and commit to it, you may find yourself feeling like an entirely new person within just two months. And if you still doubt the impact, try journaling for six weeks and then revisiting your initial five entries. I would wager that you'll be astonished by the difference between the person you were then and the person you have become.