(Or at least helped me avoid yelling at my neighbor’s dog again)
Why Journaling Matters to Me
I never thought I’d say this, but journaling kind of saved me.
Not in a dramatic, “this is a Nicholas Sparks novel” kind of way. But more like, journaling has become my sacred little escape hatch when life gets chaotic.
Between deadlines, overthinking (a.k.a. my favorite cardio), and trying to act like I have my life together (spoiler: I don’t), journaling gives me a quiet space where I can untangle the spaghetti mess that is my brain.
It’s where I cry, laugh, vent, dream, and sometimes write grocery lists because I forgot this wasn’t my planner. It’s basically therapy—but cheaper and with better handwriting.
The Many Faces of Journaling
Here’s the thing—journaling isn’t just about writing “Dear Diary, today I ate sinigang and saw my crush smile.” (Though, yes, I have an entry like that somewhere from 1997.)
There are different styles depending on your mood, goals, and whether you had your coffee yet.
- Reflective Journaling: For when you want to go deep. Like existential crisis at 2AM kind of deep.
- Gratitude Journaling: For counting blessings when life feels like a telenovela.
- Bullet Journaling: Equal parts planning and art therapy. Also great if you love drawing stars and making to-do lists you’ll ignore later.
- Brain Dump: Literally just pour your thoughts onto the page before they explode in your head.
- Prompt-Based Journaling: You answer questions like “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” while trying not to panic.
Benefits of Journaling (aka Why You Should Totally Try This)
Here’s what I’ve learned after filling up way too many notebooks:
**Mental Clarity
Putting your thoughts on paper gives your brain room to breathe. It’s like decluttering—but for your emotions.
** Emotional Release
Instead of snapping at people (again, sorry neighbor), I pour my stress, sadness, or frustration into my journal. Zero judgment, just ink and feelings.
** Self-Awareness
Reading old entries makes you realize how much you’ve grown… or that you still haven’t learned not to text your ex. Either way, it’s enlightening.
** Stress Relief
Sometimes writing for five minutes is more calming than an hour of scrolling through Instagram, comparing your life to someone’s beach trip in Bali.
Tips for Starting Your Journal (from someone who used to be allergic to notebooks)
**Start Small
You don’t need to write three pages like you’re writing your memoirs. A few lines will do. Or even bullet points.
** Make It a Habit
Find a time that works for you—before bed, after coffee, during lunch breaks. Even just once a week works. Journaling doesn’t have a curfew.
** Choose the Right Journal
Fancy notebooks inspire writing. But honestly, a pad paper or a napkin will do. (Been there, written on that.)
** Be Honest
No one’s going to read it (unless your dog is secretly literate), so write like no one’s watching.
Final Thoughts… Give It a Shot!
Journaling may not fix everything—but it gives you a safe place to fall apart, laugh at yourself, and get to know the person behind all the to-do lists and life goals.
It’s a tiny act of self-care, one word at a time.
So if your mind feels like it’s running on 36 tabs with one playing music you can’t find—try journaling. It might not close all the tabs, but it can help you mute the noise.
Now go grab a pen. And maybe a cookie. You deserve both.
Want a prompt to start with? Try this:
“Right now, I feel… and that’s okay because…”
Ettenyl Writes 