Almost all of us had diaries when we were younger. Personally, I remember coveting friends who had the little diaries with a small lock and key to hold all their secrets.

Until I turned 16, I tried and failed many times to consistently write in a journal. Then, one of my friends lost most of her possessions in a house fire and talking to her about it afterwards made me realize something. She pointed out that every single item in her room could be replaced, but her memories stored in her journals could not. Something like that is priceless. Thankfully, her journals were some of the very few possessions to survive the fire; but her words were a turning point for me. Soon after, I purchased a quality journal and got to work.

To this day, almost five years later, I have upwards of eight full journals. Inside of them are postcards, pictures, letters, collages, dried flowers, song lyrics, drawings, stories, and anything else that can be memorialized.

I prefer unlined journals because I like to make art inside the pages; some of my friends use bullet or lined journals. When people ask me, “How do I journal,” I always explain that there’s no right way. The only way to do it wrong would be to never start at all.

It’s easier for me to stick to journaling when I invest in a journal that I love. I also work to not censor myself when I write, whether I’m writing about events, telling a story about something that happened, explaining how I feel, or scribbling nonsense. I write whatever comes to mind, without judging it or being afraid.

The best part is looking back over my journals from over the years – seeing the ways in which I have changed and the ways in which I am still similar to my younger self. Reading old entries helps me have compassion on my present self.  

If you don’t already journal, I encourage you to start now. It is such a powerful resource for personal growth, as well as a motivator for sticking to personal commitments and goals. 

Be well, Auburn.

Photography: Jacob H.