I used to be a very quiet, introverted kid. For those who know me personally, this is shocking – I know. Late middle school and early high school Casey could not fathom the person I am today. Being an only child, I always felt that I had to internalize all of my problems and handle all of my conflicts on my own. Since I never had siblings, it was difficult for me to open up to others about issues in my personal life, especially issues involving my family. I felt that I couldn’t talk to anyone. I would repress all of my emotions and tell myself everything was going to be okay without actually evaluating how my internal and external issues were really affecting me. Luckily, around the same time, I discovered journaling.
As I began to write everyday, I noticed how it substantially reduced my stress and anxiety. I was always scared to tell people how I was feeling in fear of being judged, misunderstood, having my trust broken, and or feeling like a burden. However, journaling became my outlet to write about anything and everything I was feeling. I could write about whatever I wanted and knew no one would judge me, because the only person reading it is me! As I gained the ability to formulate my emotions into comprehensible sentences, I started recognizing where the root of my pain was coming from. I began validating my emotions and gained a clear understanding of myself and my wants and needs. The first step towards progress is identifying what you want to progress on, and until I started journaling I never recognized what was causing my wavering mental stability.
I have kept a journal from December of my 7th grade year up until now as a sophomore in college, and it is rewarding seeing my personal development illustrated in those pages. I have seen how theatre made a positive impact on my mental health, which friends supported me through various stages of my life, and even how my relationship with my parents evolved.With each journal I have become more confident, extroverted, goal-oriented, and optimistic about my future. I have seen myself transform from an introverted young girl to a powerful woman.
Alongside the therapeutic process of journaling, I have also enjoyed reminiscing on big and small memories. Seeing my old movie ticket stubs, polaroids, concert tickets, or even little sticky notes I’ve saved always brings a smile to my face. Within the past couple years, I have lost two friends to suicide. In my moments of grief and sadness, I turned to my journals. Being able to read back on my positive memories with them, some of which I had even forgotten, meant the world to me. It allowed me to focus on the good times and remember them during their happier state.
Overall, journaling allows you to take a pause and reflect on everything going on in your life. It forces you to take a breath, spend some time with yourself and your thoughts, and provides you with mental clarity. It is your safe space and sacred time to think about who you are, what you need, and who you want to become. It’s a simple daily task that precipitates transcendent personal growth.