I've been keeping a journal since I was old enough to pick up a pencil. They started out as squiggles in a homemade paper book, later those squiggles turned into short stories written in leather bound books. Now the journals are an outlet for thoughts and dreams, a place to voice my frustrations and fears without judgement.

Many people think that keeping a journal has to be 'Dear Diary', but that's not the case. A journal can be anything you want it to be. A space for stories, poems, doodles or thoughts you need to get out of your head and onto paper. 

Writing a journal is beneficial in so many ways, here's why:

THE BENEFITS OF KEEPING A JOURNAL

1. For release.

2. To reduces stress.

3. For clarity of thought.

4. To weigh out pros and cons.

5. For focus.

6. To remind you of who you are and what you want.

7. A place to vent and rant without judgement or interruption.

8. To capture your ideas and goals, no matter how big or small.

9. A safe space to voice your innermost thoughts and desires.

10.  For solitude. We're so digitally orientated these days that picking up a pen and writing slows down the mind.

11. To help to get past difficult times.

12. For to-do lists.

13. For noting your achievements.

14. To document your dreams.

15. Writing to become a better writer.

If you don't already keep a journal, start one. You'll find you will have a clearer mind and getting your thoughts onto paper is a great way to reduce stress and focus on what's really important.

Lei x