The Benefits I've Discovered From Using A Memory Journal

Memories. We make them every day, whether they're good, bad or mediocre. We live our lives to make them. Who doesn't love making memories? Obviously making good memories is a better option than making bad ones, but it's such a heartwarming feeling to make memories that will last a lifetime.

How we record our memories however differs between all of us. Nowadays, we use our phones to take tonnes of photos and take up memory on our Icloud (or Android). We may want to scrapbook memories with little mementoes and keepsakes. We might want to print off photos we've taken and organise them into photo albums in Monica Gellar style (Friends reference, FYI). But there could be some who may want to document our memories in a different way - a journal.

A few months ago, I was strolling through the magazine/book aisle in Morrison's (other supermarkets are available to visit) and this book caught my eye. I picked it up, had a quick skim of the pages, and thought it was a fun and creative idea for a journal. A memory journal. This memory journal asks you about so many different memories you have experienced in your life. Your first word, first kiss, first car, first best friend, first concert...I could go on and on. It's taken me a little while, but I've managed to make my way through the book - and there are still some empty spaces for more memories to be fulfilled and documented. 

So, what are the benefits of owning a memory journal? Here they are -

1) It makes you see how far you've come

Filling out this memory journal has definitely made me see how far I've come. From being the shy kid in the classroom to being the feisty and headstrong woman I have become today. It's nice to see how much progression has been made and I know I can do more to make it better.  Remembering my 'firsts' as it were has also made me realise how many memories I do have!

2) Brings back childhood memories

My first best friend, my first teacher, my first pet...those childhood memories came flooding back when I filled out this section of the memory journal. With CF, I wasn't blessed with such a perfect childhood, but when I look back on my younger years, I always like to look at happier times. You know. the ones when I wasn't in the hospital having needles jabbed in me left, right and centre. It also made me think of how innocent times were back then. No social media, barely functioning dial-up Internet and as children the outdoors was our favourite kind of play. 

3) Allows you to revisit past events (good or bad)

Like I said, before, we all have good and bad memories. This memory journal made me revisit past life events, even the ones I had forgotten about. I also think that revisiting past memories makes you see what you have learned. We all have a few bad memories, the bad memories are the ones that we draw lessons from. They could be the biggest lessons or the smallest, but you always learn.

I'd definitely recommend using a memory journal if you fancy reminiscing on the best aspects of your life!

Have you ever used a memory journal before? Let me know!