Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The Importance of Keeping a Journal

The Importance of Keeping a Journal

Throughout life we experience moments of dread and joy, heartache and bliss, terror and security. When I was 8 years old I almost lost my life. After days of being in the hospital I was released and inclined to do the things that 8 year-olds love to do. Even while playing kickball, and running around yelling “tag, you’re it,” my thoughts were often filled with the notion that I could have died and how terrifying that actually was.

One evening I decided to write these notions down on a piece of paper. Then I thought, why stop there? I started writing my dreams and my hopes down too, which at 8 years old were always changing! Eventually I started writing down my daily thoughts and feelings about different encounters and exchanges I had, and by the time I was in middle I realized what an significant outlet that really was for me (outside of playing my viola).

I admit (painfully) today, that I do not write in my journal as often as I would like. I do manage to make a few entries a week, however. It is even more of my outlet today. It helps keep myself whole and centered and, as a young adult I think it is crucial that I maintain a degree of wholeness. Journal writing helps me clear my thoughts at the end of the day so that I can rest easier at night.

In my journal I ask myself tough questions about myself and the people in my life. Likewise, I learn a lot about myself through past entries; I see how much I've grown and how much I still need to develop as a person. In short my journal writing is therapeutic and quite necessary in my life for balance and sanity.


Continue discovering yourself by keeping a journal. 

3 comments:

  1. Wow Logan, I had no idea that you had to go through this as a child. Kudos to you for making the most of it and truly cherishing life from then on. I just met you a few short months ago, but already know you are committed to making the most of everything that comes your way, and that is a great way to live!

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  2. Really cool blog Logan, you took (what I'm sure was) an incredibly difficult time and turned it into an positive!

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  3. Logan, I try to maintain a journal as well and completely understand it's therapeutic effect. Thank you for sharing your scary story-I would describe you as a very positive and grateful person, and I think I've gained a little more insight into why you are this way!

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