The Benefits of Keeping a Journal

BRONX, NY- At the age of 14 I began keeping a journal. In the beginning it was just to keep a record of what I did almost every day. As I began to fill up more notebooks, writing became an escape for me. It has had so many benefits for me both as a writer and as a human being. Who would have thought that writing down my thoughts would help me organize the clutter in my mind?

During elementary school I hated writing. I look back to that time and see now that it was the rules I despised. Yes, writing does have rules, but I do not like to be told what to write. What I love about keeping a journal is that it is free writing. No rules, no judgments. Just you, a writing utensil, and a notebook.

Here is what I noticed with the journals I have kept: first, my chicken scratch got a lot better. At least it is more legible than from ten years ago. My thoughts are organized when I write. Since my memory is not exactly the best archive for any great or stupid moments I have experienced, I can look back to my old notebooks and reminisce on that event. Then there is the best part of keeping my journals: the writing ideas. As a writer I have found this so comforting. The best writers have kept journals to express themselves. I used to draw in my journals, but now I use a sketchbook. I keep a separate music journal for events, gigs, concerts, and other music related adventures.