Starting at the age of 9, I have always had some sort of diary/journal. Most of them were hand written in spiral notebooks, and then as I got older and into high school, I began typing them on different websites and then emailing them to myself. There's something so nice about having your past written documented. It's also great, because I don't have a very good memory and without it being written out, I wouldn't remember half the stuff. It's nice to go back once in a while and read about my past. Some of the things I read, I completely forgot happened. It's sad to remember how I used to feel when I lived with my mom, and how much I wanted to leave. But, I made it through and I will always keep those diaries. Not sure how they made it through so many moves!! I feel very lucky to have something so special.

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-Brittany Brydahl

I journal about 4-5 times a week. Sometimes more if I am stressed. I've been doing that for about 4-5 years now. For me, it is a way of venting my emotions as well as a means to keep memories alive. Somehow it just seems like things make more sense when I put them down on paper. I usually use pretty hardcover journals. I get them at Ross for cheap!

I couldn't agree with you more! Sounds like me Things really do make more sense when you write em out. That way, you don't have to edit your thoughts.. just let em flow

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-Brittany Brydahl

Exactly. And your journal will never talk back or criticize you or tell you what you should be doing. It just listens, lets you vent, and lets you get on with life. I love journaling.

I tried keeping a journal when I was a teen, but I was not good at it. I would skip long periods of time, or I would write something fictional in it, as if trying to impress someone, even though the journal was not meant to be read by anyone else. Then I'd finally quit.

I have thought of starting again, now that I can be serious about it. Wish I had time!

I keep a journal as well, but lately it has become more of a daily planner than anything else. I have been writing a lot about the things I plan to do in it, rather than my feelings. I think I am finally growing out of it after long years of writing in it.

I've been keeping a journal since my dad bought me one when I was seven years old. I've been keeping them in lots of different notebooks, and I try to write everyday unless I'm too tired. All of the writing has made me a better writer.