365-Day Journal Your Story Project: Day 9: Why Journal?: A List

Here it is Day 9 of this 365-Day Journal Your Story Project and I wanted to discuss reasons to journal. Why journal? Why take the time out of a perfectly good day to journal? What benefits are there?

I need to be frank about something. There are more positives, benefits, and reasons why we should journal than I could ever compress in one day's lesson. Books can be written about each reason, as a matter of fact. I want you to know that I am not exaggerating at all when I make these claims. Journaling, apart from exercise, is the most beneficial thing you can do for your health and well-being. 

Now, since admitting books can be written about each of the reasons I will list below, I will keep today's discussion to a summary list. I will expand upon these reasons later.

Also, please note, some fo these may sound like they repeat, but there are differences in them. Trust me. I will expand upon them later, once again.

Another note: I do not think there is any reason more important than the other. Journaling is overall a good thing. That is the summary. So, the list below is not in matter of importance or in priority order.

WHY JOURNAL LIST?:

~ Why not journal? 

I list that first, before we ever look beyond this, for a reason. Why not? What could it hurt? What could be gained? What can you lose if you do not? So, why not journal? That is a reason. It is not a question. 

~ The reasons to journal are endless.

~ Journaling helps you live the most healthy life you can live: spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially, and mentally. 

~ It helps you to remember your present and live intentionally--so you stop taking it for granted and prevents you from thoughtless living.

~ It is easy to do.

~ It is inexpensive.

~ It is priceless.

~ It is enjoyable.

~ It is versatile. 

~ It decreases stress. 

~ It decreases depression.

~ Journaling decreases anger.

~ It helps you feel better inside and out.

~ It helps you to remember.

~ It increases happiness.

~ It increases joy.

~ It increases peace.

~ It increases contentment.

~ It helps you to remain aware.

~ It is cheaper than a therapist. (Except if you are suicidal or homicidal--or are dealing with some major stuff. Then, do both!!!)

~ It is a creative outlet.

~ Journaling is fun, enjoyable, and pleasurable.

~ If you are a writer, journaling is a must. 

~ It helps decrease anxiety.

~ It helps with PTSD.

~ It strengthens your immune system.

~ It helps with circulation.

~ It helps to lose weight.

~ It helps you plan.

~ It helps you to list your dreams and goals and make them come true.

~ It is a good traveling resource.

~ Journaling is something to do with art.

~ It is good for reflection.

~ It is good to self-analyze.

~ It is good to help capture memories past, present, and future.

~ Helps you deal with change.

~ Journaling helps you bring about change and transformation.

~ Helps you commit to action. 

~ Helps you keep track of things.

~ Helps you keep track of prayer and answered prayer.

~ It is the best habit you can ever get into.

~ It helps decrease procrastination.

~ It helps you budget and manage your time.

~ Self-awareness (to get to know self)

~ Journaling helps you to count your blessings (aka gratitude or thanksgiving).

~ Helps you express yourself.

~ Helps you express what you are feeling.

~ Helps you to overcome.

~ Helps you deal with your past so your past does not deal with you.

~ Helps you plan for the future. 

~ Helps you get rid of burdens.

~ It brings maturity.

~ It helps you to vent.

~ Journaling helps you to see the big picture, as well as the fine details--and everything in-between.

~ It is fast.

~ Helps with addictions.

~ It is easy.

~ It helps you remember life lessons (lessons learned). 

~ Helps decrease pain (helps with pain management).

~ Decreases boredom.

~ It is convenient. 

~ It is a way for you to keep your personal history.

~ It helps you to keep track of history and historical events. 

~ Journaling helps you to remember your family history and stories.

~ It helps you to remember the stories of others around you.

~ It helps you see in a new way.

~ It helps you to remember your childhood.

~ It helps you to remember your engagement period.

~ It helps you to remember your wedding.

~ It helps you to remember your pregnancy.

~ It helps you to remember your children and their childhood--all the stories and memories thereof.

~ It helps with personal growth and development.

~ Journaling helps with professional growth and development.

~ It helps with spiritual growth and development.

~ It helps with emotional growth and development.

~ It helps with mental/cognitive growth and development.

~ It helps with social growth and development.

~ It offers you solitude.

~ It helps you to be still.

~ It helps you to decrease busyness.

~ It reminds you of what is mot important and what really matters in your life. 

~ Journaling helps you to see the cycles in your life.

~ It brings increased clarity.

~ It helps you solve problems (with problem solving; making decisions).

~ It helps you to talk something out.

~ It helps you to see things as they really are. It strips all of the stuff that does not matter and the clutter--and gets to the heart of the issue.

~ It sharpens your writing skills.

~ It sharpens your creativity.

~ It helps you to keep track of things.

~ It helps you remember your to do list.

~ Etc. Etc. Etc. 

Check out these reasons as well:

http://www.easyjournaling.com/2011/07/101-reasons-to-write-a-journal/ 

http://www.appleseeds.org/100_Journaling.htm

Stacy Duplease
Prayer Warrior, Fantasy Author, and Journalkeeper
of Remembering Your Present, LLCdba USAGC 2026 * Kingdom of Lethana

Email: usagc2026@gmail.com or lethanastories@gmail.com
Blog for USAGC 2026: http://usagc2026.blogspot.comBlog for Lethana: http://kingdomoflethana.blogspot.com
Blog for Journaling: http://journalingchronicle.blogspot.com
Blog for Writing: http://writingchronicle.blogspot.com
Find my books at/store: http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/hisfiction