When we write for an audience, we tend to edit ourselves. One of the best things about a personal journal is that it’s for your eyes only. Instead, these are the reasons why you guys are journaling: Destressing by Exploring Your Emotions No one said that they journal because it helps them stay organized. One thing I found very interesting, though, is that not ONE person referenced bullet journals or planners. Recently, the team at SohoSpark had an impromptu poll that asked this same question: Why do YOU journal? Most of the replies were very similar to my own. It helps me focus on the joy in my stories. As I started journaling more often, I realized that there are even more reasons why I keep plugging away in my lined journals. Since I've started journaling for SohoSpark, my love of journals and handwriting was rekindled. Thankfully, I’ve always loved writing-or I’d never put any thoughts out into the world! But I rarely have an audience that I’m in sync with. I don’t have the time I need to consider my thoughts and words before the conversation flows on in a different direction. When I’m with a group of people, I often struggle to contribute. I can still have trouble articulating my thoughts in the moment. My personal journals gave me a place where I could express thoughts and emotions that I couldn’t say out loud.īeyond being a safe space, my writing journals also gave me a voice. In retrospect, I can see that I got hooked on journaling when I was a kid because it was a safe space. When I started thinking about it, I realized that my own reasons are complicated.