I’m sure most of us can still go back home and remember where we hid that embarrassing middle school diary that contained the best and worst times of our tween years. The endless crushes, embarrassing moments, questionable style choices, and seemingly infinite love for Justin Bieber or the Jonas Brothers is what my diary was filled with. Most of us left the darkest times of our awkward stage in that early 2000’s chapter of our diary, and never plan to return to it, but it is hard not to think about what it would be like to start a new chapter. As a fully developed, mature woman with goals, responsibilities, and real world problems; my diary entries now would probably sound just a little different.
As much as I have matured in the 5+ years it has been since I’ve kept a journal, I figured it was time to try again because the reason my 12-year-old self had a diary to begin with was for a variety of reasons. Mainly, though, because no one ever understood! I may not have the same problems and interests now but it seems as though, still, no one ever understands. After consistently writing in my journal for a couple weeks, I have realized how much of an outlet it really is for these reasons:
It’s cheaper than a therapist
As helpful as therapy can be, how enjoyable can paying 100 dollars an hour to sit across from a stranger, while being practically interrogated, really be? It can be immensely helpful for some, but as a college student, who has the 100 dollars to fork out to talk about feelings? It is as easy as sitting at the computer with a blank word document, your favorite Spotify playlist on shuffle, and endless flowing thoughts, feelings and stories.
It relieves stress
At the end of a long, stressful day or maybe after a hard breakup, it’s natural to just want to scream into your pillow or maybe slap something/someone. As satisfying as that can be… it’s not always the best option. Your computer keys might not like it, but the feeling of pounding out every last screaming thought in my head that I have been over-analyzing for the last 12 hours, is so satisfying. The best part about it is that, as much as Microsoft word might spell check you and judge your grammar, there is no feedback, judgements passed, or awkward moments to suffer through.
Setting goals
The amount of times I have been asked, “What do you want to do in life?” “What are your goals and dreams?” is stressful because how are any of us actually supposed to know how to answer those questions? I have a hard enough time deciding what to eat for breakfast each day, let alone what I want to do in life. At some point I’m sure we have all written a bucket list or imagined what we could be some day, but to dream big and make a plan in writing is helpful. In our early 20’s, we all change so much without realizing it, and to take notice of any newly discovered passions or habits that come with time can contribute to the rest of your life and what you choose to make of yourself.
Aids in sleep
The best time to write, which also helps to remain consistent with the habit, is before going to sleep. Lying in bed with too much on your mind is the perfect reason for the exhausted coffee-filled days that easily turn in to a vicious cycle of insomnia. To get everything off your mind, sort out your thoughts, and write out the ups and downs of your every day life. Getting them from mind to paper is a calming feeling.
It might not be for everyone, but keeping a journal has proved to be an easy outlet in all of my confusing and hard times as well as helping me remember all of the good times and how blessed I am. But more importantly, it has helped me to maintain my sanity in the insane world of college.