Why Journal?

Journaling. I remember keeping diaries when I was younger. The tiny keys that came with the diaries were so cute.

It’s funny that I would think that lock and key would keep those notes a secret. That kept our treasured thoughts private? Silly me and other teen girls that had a snoopy brother.

My brother did get into mine away back when. I wonder what happened to those old diaries. They would be fun to read now.

Journaling and mental health

Once I was older, I would start to journal and then stop. I didn’t want anyone to read what I wrote.

I didn’t want to take time to write. I sounded too whiny. I didn’t want to take time to think about everything that was going on in my life. I didn’t have the energy. I did have too many excuses, I think.

I'm more aware that journaling is healthy for the body and mind each day. Whatever we do to allow ourselves freedom of mind will affect our physical being and visa versa.

More and more, I hear about people who journal. It intrigues me.

I had reached a point where I associated journaling with keeping track of everything I ate, did, etc. Journaling my diet has been a challenge for me because of allergy limitations.

However, I’m learning that I’m also causing the limitations. I’ve been a procrastinator. That’s often the cause of not doing what I should be doing.

Barbara Moore is a writer here in the community and a big advocate of journaling. We had a few conversations about the importance of journaling.

How it not only helps the person who is journaling, it is a place to store accurate information to share with the doctor. Barbara sells COPD journals online. I have her journal and am going to dedicate myself to using it. Plus, it’s time to put my thoughts on paper.

Barbara also said that younger generations probably like to read them. I agree.

Journaling to leave memories for your family

Years ago, I gave both of my grandmas a small book for them to journal in. I got the book after she died.

Looking through it, she didn’t finish it. She maybe did 100-something days. It likely got too tedious for her.

I can almost hear her say, “Why would anybody want to read this?” I put it up in a cabinet. Last year I took it down and read through it.

A few years back, I started a family Facebook page. I’m usually the only one who posts, and that’s ok.

I’m able to share photos, obituaries, and more. Not too long ago, I typed up info from that little book and posted that on that family site.

Everyone was overjoyed. They could see what happened in her life, even what she had for lunch, and who visited her. As expected, those who lived closer were able to visit regularly.

I know each grandchild, and family member has asked about my health. I was adopted and did find my biological sisters and a few other relatives on the maternal side.

I did find some family on the paternal side as well. I was so grateful for ancestry.com. What a treasure my health book will be for my children and grandchildren, and hopefully, their health.

If you have thoughts or comments about what journaling does for you and your mental health, please share.