Note: This article is adapted from Sue William Silverman's blog, where she talks about the benefits of journaling.
Growing up, I lived my life with two different realities. We seemed to be a normal, happy family. My father had a good job, and we lived in a beautiful house and wore beautiful clothes. All of this seeming idealism was just a front for the truth that no one discussed—that my father had damaged my soul.
There was no change as I grew older. I had a good marriage and looked normal in public. The dark secrets hidden behind these appearances were unknown to anyone. When I first started writing, I decided to investigate my life in the past.
In my book, Fearless Confessions: A Writer's Guide to Memoir, I encourage everyone to explore their lives through writing, too. You likely have a story you'd like to share, regardless of whether your current life is a mess or your childhood was traumatic. For example, we journal to understand ourselves better and to encourage readers to share our lives, whether we're contemplating divorce, making notes about a recent illness, or delving into a parent's turmoil. I present to you the following:
5 Benefits of Journaling
1. Journaling helps you understand the past
I get clearer thoughts about the past when I write. When I ask myself how the past caused such emotional devastation, I discover the answer to this important question and others through my writing.
Writing is a way to interact with and interpret the past. It helps us understand events, whether they are painful, joyful, or confusing. Writing expands our perceptions, so we see images and details from the past in a new context that clarifies the events for us and our readers.
2. Journaling organises your life
I live my life day after day. I do not find time to contemplate the events that are happening to me. Every day some tasks must be done, and meals must be prepared, not to mention the emotional chaos. Who has the time to stop and think about the events that are taking place around us?
Only when I put off my daily tasks can I sit down and write, and only then do I clearly see the chaos created by the fast pace of my life. Journaling helps us shape our lives by discovering the plot, dramatic arc, theme, and metaphor. We organise our lives and put them into a specific frame. Journaling helps create a life story.
3. Journaling helps you discover strength in your life
When I was keeping secrets before I started journaling, I did not feel like I was truly living my life. I did not have a clear understanding of my identity. However, my story was different. When I write and express my reality honestly, even in one sentence, I discover a hidden emotional truth. When you write, you understand yourself more and discover your identity and uniqueness. If you do not express and explore yourself, you will lose your essence.
4. Journaling helps others heal
I love journaling because it allows me to meet many brave people who are still struggling. For example, one day, I was reading in a library in Athens, and there was a woman named Georgia. She waited until everyone left and approached me. She was so afraid that she started crying. She admitted that I was the first person she told that her father had ruined her life. She was so shocked that she did not tell a psychiatrist. Why did she trust me?
Simply because I wrote my story.
5. Confession through journaling is good for the soul
Telling family secrets can be a scary thing. However, I finally reached a point where keeping secrets was even worse. It was more comforting to write about my life and ignore the past. So, even though I felt afraid or uncomfortable, in the end, I felt free and strong.
In Conclusion
In short, with every word I wrote, my pain became less and less. When you challenge yourself, you will feel more courageous daily, as journaling activates and nourishes your spirit.
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