It's a question I often ask myself in this day and age when technology is taking over little by little each part of our life. It's a subject that often comes to mind specially when my job is to create and sell journals. Moreover, it's not just my job, it's my biggest passion and something I want to do every day of my life, so I do fear the fact that technology may replace the simple habit of writing by hand and consequently of journaling.
So I went ahead and asked "know it all" gpt chat "Why do people still journal?" and actually he surprised me with a coherent, well structured and overall a very reasonable answer. So I thought I'd share it with you:
"People journal for a variety of reasons, each of which may be deeply personal and meaningful to the individual. Here are some common motivations behind why people choose to journal:
-
Self-Reflection: Journaling offers a space for individuals to reflect on their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It allows them to gain insights into their inner world, understand themselves better, and make sense of their lives.
-
Emotional Expression: Writing in a journal can be a cathartic way to express and process emotions. It provides a safe outlet for feelings of joy, sadness, anger, or confusion, helping individuals cope with life's ups and downs.
-
Therapeutic Benefits: Journaling is often used as a therapeutic tool to improve mental health and well-being. It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting mindfulness, self-awareness, and emotional regulation.
-
Creativity: Many people journal as a creative practice, using words, images, or mixed media to express themselves artistically. It allows them to explore their creativity, experiment with different mediums, and unleash their imagination.
-
Memory Preservation: Keeping a journal allows individuals to record significant events, experiences, and memories. It serves as a personal archive of one's life journey, preserving moments to be revisited and cherished in the future.
-
Goal Setting and Planning: Journals are often used as tools for setting goals, making plans, and tracking progress. They provide a structured way to prioritize tasks, organize thoughts, and stay accountable to personal and professional aspirations.
-
Gratitude Practice: Maintaining a gratitude journal involves regularly writing down things one is grateful for. This practice cultivates a positive mindset, fosters appreciation for life's blessings, and encourages a focus on the present moment.
-
Problem-Solving: Writing about challenges, dilemmas, or conflicts in a journal can help individuals clarify their thoughts, identify solutions, and make decisions. It provides a space for brainstorming ideas and working through obstacles.
-
Personal Growth: Journaling can be a catalyst for personal growth and development. By reflecting on past experiences, setting intentions for the future, and tracking progress over time, individuals can cultivate self-awareness and strive towards becoming the best version of themselves.
Overall, people journal for a multitude of reasons, each serving a unique purpose in their lives. Whether for self-reflection, emotional expression, creativity, or personal growth, journaling offers a flexible and adaptable practice that can be tailored to individual needs and preferences."
So... for now I rest assured that even he agrees journaling is important and we bookbinders won't go out of business any time soon!
What existential questions or concerns are crossing your mind these days? I'd really love to know!