8 Reasons to Keep a Daily Journal

Margaret Pineda with journal

Did school essays leave a bad experience of writing with you? I loved creative writing as a kid until it felt forced. I skipped my first and only college English exam, flunked the course, and rediscovered my love for writing much later as an adult. I loved it so much that I started this blog.

Writing started off as sporadic journalling for me. When I finally paired journalling with music and cacao, it became a non-negotiable daily ritual.

When we journal without agenda or expectation, we can appreciate writing as an outlet for spiritual and creative growth.

Read on to learn why keeping a daily journal is so valuable.

1: To Record Areas Where You’re Winning

It’s easy to lose sight of how far we’ve come and focus on what’s yet to be done. By celebrating our wins—big or small—we cultivate a mindset of enoughness.

2: To Note Areas of Improvement

Where we think we fall short is the greatest place to learn more about ourselves. That could mean leaning into a genuine desire to grow or stepping back, being more patient, and accepting where we are right now.

3: To Write About What You’re Learning

When we write about a new concept in our own words, we anchor it in more deeply. It’s one thing to read something and another to explain it in our own way. Whether we realize it or not, we’re constantly learning new things, whether it’s personal or professional. There’s a lesson in every triggering encounter too.

4: To Capture Beautiful Moments

Words transmit energy. Like a picture, we can capture the beauty in our lives on paper. Where do I see the purest version of this? When my kid draws a picture with words just for me.

5: To Process Through Pain

Letting out feelings in words we wouldn’t otherwise feel comfortable sharing out loud is so healing. Clarity on how to move forward is on the other side.

6: To Commit to Higher Ambitions

When I pair journalling with uplifting music and a hot drink like cacao or tea, it creates an expansive environment so I can dream big. Prep your space, set an intention for guidance or creativity, and let the wisdom flow.

7: To Boost Your Creativity & Problem-Solving

When those sparks of inspiration show up, journalling regularly makes it easier to ground abstract ideas into tangible words and concepts. It also promotes creative solutions. Set an intention to see a problem from different angles and see what shows up on paper.

8: To Find Your Authentic Voice

I start all my digital posts on paper first because 1) I can write anywhere, especially outside in nature and 2) my natural way of speaking comes out better on paper than on a computer screen. Journalling helps us discover our individual self-expression.

Conclusion

Writing doesn’t have to feel tedious. If it feels like another thing to add to your plate, consider that it might save you time in the end by helping you gain momentum in the direction of the life you’ve always wanted.


Thank you to Robin Sharma for inspiring the reasons listed above.

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