Why Journaling is the Best Practice for Writing Meaningful Letters
Writing a letter is a lot like writing in a diary or a journal.
The only real difference? Instead of tucking your thoughts away for yourself, you’re mailing them off to brighten someone else’s day.
Both are deeply personal acts. Both preserve a moment in time. Both allow you to spill your heart onto paper without the constant interruptions of pings, notifications, and endless distractions.
Honestly, I think we all need a little more of that kind of connection in our lives—both with ourselves and with others.
I’m a huge advocate for keeping a journal, and here’s why:
Every time you pick up your pen, you’re recording history—your history. Each scribbled entry becomes a snapshot of who you are in that moment. Someday, you or someone you love might look back at those pages and see a beautiful, messy, meaningful portrait of a life well-lived.
But the benefits don’t stop there:
- It improves your handwriting (a lost art that deserves a revival).
- It lifts your mood (seriously, it’s like therapy without the awkward couch).
- It boosts your memory (your future self will thank you).
- It reduces stress (writing clears your head faster than doom-scrolling ever could).
And here’s a bonus: journaling is fantastic practice for writing letters—the ones you’ve been meaning to send but keep putting off.
Different Types of Journals to Try
Not all journals are created equal. You can find—or create—one that fits your style, your passions, and your curiosities. Here are just a few ideas:
- Reading Journal: Keep track of the books you read, your favorite quotes, characters you love (or loathe), and your overall reflections. It’s like a personal library in your own handwriting.
- Letter Tracker Journal: Record the letters you send and receive—who you wrote to, what you talked about, and when you sent it. It’s a charming way to chronicle your snail mail adventures.
- Gratitude Journal: A few lines a day about what you’re thankful for. Small but powerful.
- Travel Journal: Document your trips—whether it’s a grand vacation or a simple weekend getaway. Ticket stubs, sketches, pressed flowers—this is where the magic lives.
- Dream Journal: Capture those wild nighttime adventures. Even the ones that make zero sense.
- Art or Doodle Journal: Sometimes words aren’t enough. Let your creativity out with sketches, stickers, or random bursts of color.
- Memory Journal: Instead of documenting your daily activities, focus on recording specific memories—ones you never want to forget.
No matter which types you choose (or invent!), the important thing is to keep writing.
Write for yourself. Write for others. Write because every word you put down has the power to connect, comfort, and celebrate the human experience.
So, grab that journal—and maybe that letter you’ve been meaning to send—and let your story unfold.
I’d love to hear from you!
Do you keep a journal? If so, what kind? (Reading journal, gratitude journal, dream journal?)
Or maybe you’ve been meaning to start one but didn’t know where to begin.
Share your thoughts in the comments—I’m always curious to see how others capture their stories.