By Ciara O’Leary
I’ve had a journal for years now, but it wasn’t something I was always into. At first, I would use it to vent about my problems – whether it be school, boys, friends, etc. Over the years, my relationship with my journal has changed as I’ve gone through countless notebooks filled with to-do lists, diary entries, journal prompts, and more.
Having a journal is very therapeutic. You can really be yourself and release all of your feelings onto the page. Although it doesn’t always help, it can definitely feel like a relief when you feel like you don’t have anyone to talk to about something going on in your life. Oftentimes when I look back at my old journals, it makes me laugh and sort of cringe at my past self.
I always use my journal for making lists, whether it be for packing, grocery shopping, books I want, or just a to-do list for the day; it really helps to keep me organized and on top of things. While traveling, I like to take it with me to make mini, loose itineraries for my days to ensure that I make the most of my trip.
There are so many journal prompts out there that can be really fun. I normally like to do affirmations and manifestation prompts. I’m not sure that they actually do anything, but I like to believe they do. Other prompts include gratitude, reflection, self-growth, self-esteem, and really anything you can think of. Journal prompts get you thinking about questions you might not normally ask yourself.
When I’m bored, I often just start to doodle in my journal and write down what I’m feeling. I don’t write in it every day, but I’ve definitely been more into it the past few months than ever before. I think that keeping a journal would be beneficial for everyone, and I highly suggest you keep one too.Â