I've been journaling for as long as I can remember. I got my first journal when I was 10 years old and I have one from every year of my life since.

My mom still buys me a journal every Christmas for the next year. It's a great tradition we have together and I look forward to getting one from her each year. I wanted to share with you today some benefits I've gotten from journaling.

1. Spiritual & Emotional Growth

Over the years I've been able to journal the my thoughts and emotions and been able to sort out those feelings through my journaling. I've journaled my relationship with Christ over the years. What the Lord has taught me, faith lessons, struggles with my faith and more. Looking back on it I've been able to see emotional & spiritual growth. It's amazing to look back and see how good the Lord has been to me and my family through the years.

2. Memory Keeping

So many memories of mine are tucked away in the pages of my journals. At any given moment I'm able to look back and account for what I was doing in 1998, 2007 or 2015. Several years are documented in detail and I love that it jogs my memory and allows me to look back on several phases of life.

3. Finding My Voice in Writing

Through all these years of writing my thoughts, feelings, re accounting events and timelines it's all helped me find my voice and writing style. Being able to communicate through written words is really important for me in how I also communicate when I speak. Sorting out my feelings first on paper has helped me become a better writer and communicator.

Looking for more journaling inspiration? Check out my post on '5 Journaling Prompts for the New Year.'

Andrea Worley