Ever since I got a diary as a birthday present in third grade, I haven’t stopped writing in it. Of course, I’ve had to get new diaries since I ended up filling out the pages, but I haven’t stopped writing in a diary in general.
Writing in my diary over the years has allowed me to reflect on the past. By reading the old pages of my diary, whether they are tear-stained or scribbled all over, I am able to slip into the shoes of the person I once was. Being able to relive these moments fills me with happiness — and of course, I cringe at my past self as well.
So, why do I think writing in a diary is so important? Especially now, as a freshman in college?
1. it’s therapeutic
First, I think that writing in a diary during a transitional stage of your life, like being a freshman in college, is therapeutic. Moving to Tallahassee to attend FSU has been anything but an easy transition, and I’m able to write about that in my diary. If I’m feeling stressed, lonely, or any other way, I can write in my diary to relieve my emotions. I find that when by the time I finish writing the entry, I’m on a completely different wavelength. At the beginning of the entry, I might have been stressed, but by the end, I calmed down. Writing in my diary always puts me in a more mindful headspace.
2. you can grow from your past
Second, based on my experience, by writing in my diary and reflecting on it later, I can learn and grow from my past mistakes. By having my past written down like a history textbook, I can spot patterns in my thinking and habits that I want to improve on (for example, getting upset about something that I won’t care for after time has passed). I can feel my raw emotion through the pages of the diary, but I eventually process the situation.
3. your commitment is impressive
Third, writing in a diary is a positive habit. Not only will it be a fun read to look back on in a couple of years, but being committed to something so personal is an achievement. When I tell somebody that I’ve been writing in my diary for over ten years, they’re impressed. It shows that I’ve been committed to something that helps me progress as an individual.
4. you can pass them along one day
Lastly, and for the most personal reason, I know that one day I want to give my diaries to my kids. I’m not sure at what age, but I want them to learn from my experiences and mistakes from all periods of my life. I’ve always been interested in learning what my parents were like before they had kids, and I would love to read their diaries if they had any. I feel that gifting them my diary would be a great way to connect with them on an even more personal level.
So, give journaling a shot!
Want to see more HCFSU? Be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Pinterest!