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Keeping a Journal: Why Everyone Can and Should Do it

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

While not all of us are writers, having a place to jot down thoughts, doodle a drawing, or keep a record of these life-changing years can be fun and relaxing. It’s important to remember that a journal is just an empty book— it is an outlet for you, so what you put in it is entirely up to you! Pick the journal that speaks to you and your favorite pen, pencil, marker, crayon, whatever it may be that ignites your creative side!

Journals come in all different sizes and styles. There is really one for everyone out there!

 

The small, portable journal is ideal for writers and artists who constantly have thoughts and ideas buzzing in their heads. With a notebook on hand, you have the ability to immediately write down or draw whatever is on your mind. This allows those fleeting thoughts and images you may experience to gain more permanence and potentially spark other creative ideas in the future.

Because of its lack of lines, this journal is perfect for doodling. There is something wonderful about letting your mind wander and drawing whatever comes to mind (coming from an extremely artistically challenged person). Instead of crowding your academic notes with all these drawings, consider one of these sketchbooks to allow your doodles to flourish. Maybe drawing will spark an idea for a story or a poem or maybe the reverse—maybe something you read gives you inspiration to draw. This journal is perfect for combining the two. It’s also great to look back upon to create new ideas or just to see your improvement over time!

This type of journal is entirely up to you. Pick one that you will feel motivated to write in everyday, or at least every week or so. Here is where you can keep a detailed account of your daily life—what some might call a diary. While writing about our lives allows us to better understand ourselves, your journal doesn’t have to solely consist of reflective writing. It can also be a place to let your thoughts run free on whatever topic you chose. It can be a place where you write a poem or two or just a place to write quotes you love. It even can be a place where you simply put pen to paper and let the words flow out all by themselves. No matter what kind of writing you do, the act of writing whatever you wish will clear your mind and help you relax and focus on what is important.

Having a journal allows you creative freedom. It is a wonderful way to take a break from schoolwork, and take it easy while still engaging your mind. So take advantage of the simplicity of blank paper Collegiettes, and make it your own!

Photo Source: 1, 2, 3

Hey everyone! My name's Kelly Tierney and I'm a Senior here at Umass Amherst majoring in English and minoring in Education.
Contributors from the University of Massachusetts Amherst