I recently resumed writing in my journal after being inconsistent for a while. It is cathartic experience for me to write my private thoughts for my consumption. Sometimes I wonder why I even do this if it’s only for my eyes to see, especially as I’m a writer and share stories with the world. It took me years to realize that it is a form of self-care, just like meditation, exercise or healthy eating.

I must admit it concerns me if someone else was to read my journal, when I’m not around or dead. What will they think of me? Words can be so misconstrued from person to person so I try to be as concise as I can. I feel sometimes like I’m writing a memoir for someone else’s consumption instead of this private therapy for me. I still have to work on the guilt I feel when I say things that would cause others to judge me. I have to remember that this is for me and no-one else. Stop trying to please others.

There are days when I have little to say and end up writing about boring topics like what I may have done that day. There are days when something significant is happening on the news or the world, that I get to record how I received the breaking news. A kind of ‘where were you when…?’

Journaling is not for everyone but I’d encourage you to try it to see if it’s a fit. You’ll know if it isn’t, especially if you’re not consistent with it. I will say in closing, that it is a cheap way to learn about who you are instead of sitting on a therapist couch.