Keeping a Journal

Keeping a journal was always something strongly encouraged when I was growing up, whether it was from friends, family, or church leaders. But I wasn't very good at it all through middle school and high school, and looking back I really do regret that. Social media started becoming a big thing when I was in about 9th grade, so I have some of those memories to hold on to, but I don't have as much as I'd like, especially when it comes to honest opinions and feelings. I have hundreds of photos from all throughout my life, but not many handwritten documented occurrences. 

Once I got married, however, establishing a routine with journal writing has become a TON easier--Jake and I will get ready for bed (clean up the kitchen, take Zoe to the bathroom, etc), read scriptures together, and then I'll write in my journal. Since I have another person that I'm "accountable" to when I write, it helps me to write more often. I started a journal about a month before we got married, and I'm almost done with the first full journal from our marriage.

You're probably wondering (like most people would) what the point of even keeping a journal is anymore, if we have so many social media options to help us quickly document our day as it passes, instead of having to take the time at the end of the day to try and remember everything worth writing about? Well, to be frank, I'm not 100% "me" on any form of social media except for Twitter, which I keep private. I don't share my completely honest opinion about a lot of things on Facebook or even this blog, because I just have no desire to put my thoughts out there and have them be ridiculed, or I don't feel that certain parts of my life are something that should be publicly shared. My journal is a place where I can truly share my feelings about certain social or political issues, incidences with friends/acquaintances, and my marriage. Keeping a journal is a great way for you to be able to document your emotions and experiences with 100% candidness, and not be afraid of the outcome!