In summary, journal writing is a remarkable process for
discovering and bringing to the surface what you already know.
Journals serve many purposes. They can simply tell the story of
events or chronicle happy times. They can also prepare you to
confront those you’ve hurt or who have hurt you and resolve the
issues between you. Writing about your life, like telling your story to
someone else, creates a more complete picture of the parts of your
life that are in your mind. The writing usually provides a discipline
to your thinking that helps develop insights and solve problems. At
a minimum, a journal is a safe way of blowing off steam, easing
worry and obsession, and identifying your hopes and fears.