I started journaling when I was, I don’t know, around 10. I loved decorating my diary with stickers and doodles—it felt like my own little world on paper. Back then, I had no idea that journaling was secretly saving me from spiraling into chaos. Life was a mess for me at that age. I had too much on my plate, very few friends, and no electronic distractions (forget social media—it didn’t exist for me). My diary became my one loyal companion, and boy, was it enough!

I would pour everything into those pages—ugly thoughts, silly crushes, heartbreaks, joys, fears, and even random nonsense that made me cringe later. Writing became my happy place. It lightened my emotional burden and gave me an escape. Fast forward to 2019, when I moved to Japan, and I had over a dozen diaries filled to the brim with my life’s drama.

When I reread them now, I want to bury my face in a pillow. The cringe! My awkward crushes, teenage heartbreaks, sleepless nights—whether out of excitement or sorrow—all captured in raw detail. But you know what? Those diaries hold pieces of me I’d forgotten, moments that shaped me, and proof that I survived it all.

My man and I often talk about my childhood, and one day, he said something that stuck with me: “You have no idea how kind God was to you for giving you the habit of writing—it kept you from becoming bitter.” And he’s right. My rough childhood could’ve turned me into someone angry or resentful, but journaling was like a life jacket, keeping me afloat.

Now that I’ve immersed myself in reading, I’ve discovered just how powerful journaling is. Science even backs it up: just five minutes of journaling a day can work wonders for your mental health. It’s like giving your brain a much-needed coffee break from all the chatter.

If you’re struggling with endless thoughts and emotions bouncing around in your head, here’s my advice: write it down. Let it all out. Your brain is way too beautiful to carry the heavy burden of unpleasant memories or nagging worries.

Think of journaling as therapy—but cheaper! And unlike a therapist, your diary won’t interrupt or judge you. Whether you’re documenting your dreams, venting your frustrations, or scribbling random thoughts, journaling gives you a safe space to unload and reflect.

So grab a notebook (the cuter, the better), a pen, and start scribbling. Who knows? Maybe years later, you’ll look back and laugh at your “stupid crushes” or marvel at how far you’ve come.

Because trust me, your story is worth writing down—even the awkward, cringy parts.

If you don’t own a diary/journal yet, not to worry. You can get it anytime through this link, its beautiful and simple and you carry it with you everywhere you go.

https://amzn.to/4gBLHfb 🤎🤎
 

Loads of Luv

Hannah