With a large influx in the amount of people blogging as part of their normal lives, however, the joy of keeping a paper journal has been lost to some. I’d like to think that the art of keeping a paper journal in addition to the more electronic form is beneficial; there’s bound to be some details that you wouldn’t want to share with a public audience, I’m sure.

Benefits of Keeping a Journal:

1. You don’t have to worry about an audience. The only person’s attention you need to keep is your own.
2. You don’t have to sensor yourself. Say what you feel. Get out any stress or emotions on paper. There shouldn’t be anyone else reading it.
3. It helps you remember the small things. The name of the person you met on a bus, or the room number in your favorite hotel.
4. It’s a really great souvenir. Nothing like the personal touch to make something special.
5. It’s great for passing the time of buses, planes and trains. It’s also a bit more inconspicuous than getting out the laptop to take some notes.
6. It helps provide you with ideas to write about on your public blog later.

Downfalls of Keeping a Journal:

1. It takes up extra space. When you are worried about carrying your life on your back, then every little bit counts.
2. It could get lost or stolen. If you write very personal stuff in your journal, this could be a bit embarrassing.
3. You could stop writing. If this happens, you are left with the reminder that you only did something halfway.

Do you carry a journal in your backpack, or do you think it is a waste of time and space?

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