In January of 2023 I started what I like to call my first “big girl” journal. I had my own diaries as a child with invisible ink and a lock, but those writing habits never really stuck. I mean what did 8-year-old Maddie have to write about besides her new crush on the playground or the fact that she was getting a dog. Almost two years ago, I started journaling again, this time doing it much differently. Journaling can seem super intimidating because of the expectations one may put on the spreads looking aesthetically pleasing, or feeling like what they have to write has to be incredibly important, but in reality it doesn’t have to be.
Mental health is extremely important for so many people including myself, so journaling is a great option for relieving stress or getting out my emotions. There are days where I print photos and use stickers to document a moment in time like a scrapbook, but there are other days where I simply just need to jot down my thoughts. Journaling has become super helpful for me because when I need to quickly get something off of my chest I can grab my journal and write it down.
When I write in my journal, I try to write as though I am talking to someone because I find it easier for my thoughts to flow. When I go back and read my old entries I sometimes can’t help but laugh at the way my writing sounds, but it makes the process more enjoyable. I also like to start off my journal with some fun pages like mood boards, bucket lists, and goals for the year ahead. My first page in my current journal has a polaroid photo of myself the day I got my new journal, which I use to document what I looked like at the time I was writing.
Depending on how I’m feeling or what I’m doing, how often I journal changes. Over the summer I didn’t journal at all, but since starting college I’ve made at least 15 entries. My journaling has helped me settle into life as a college student and helped me navigate the new experiences I’m having.
Journaling is something I could talk about for hours and I would recommend it to anyone who may be interested. Journaling doesn’t have to be some scary task, instead it can be used as a form of self-expression and creativity. There are so many types of journaling, but not every type works for everyone so it takes some trial and error to understand what way is the most beneficial to you. Journaling keeps me feeling mindful of others, but also my emotions. Sometimes when you have a hard day, instead of taking it out on your family and friends, you can journal. Not only does this help the relationships you have in your life, but it also helps you learn new ways to cope with your problems.
Since starting my journal I feel like I have matured in many ways. If I have a problem with a friend I can write down my feelings instead of blowing up at someone and possibly saying something I didn’t mean, and that has all stemmed from my journaling. I believe that college is a great time to start journaling because there are so many changes happening in your life during this time. Not only are you somewhat confined to a space, you are also spending all of your time with other people, especially if you have a roommate. Change can be scary, and life can be too, so grab your pen and start writing!