If you're a college student, there will likely be multiple occasions when you'll have to plan and write a personal essay. Whether it's a test or an assignment, a personal essay is something that many students often feel unprepared for. Indeed, personal essays can be tricky to write, especially if you aren't comfortable talking about yourself so formally.
In fact, always fearing that I wouldn't be up for the challenge, I remember how terrified I felt whenever I was assigned personal essays to write in college. One trick that helped me out, however, was utilizing my at-home journal. Not only did my personal journal allow me to practice writing essay topics, it also served as a source of inspiration for many of my greatest essays. If you dread writing personal essays as I once did, here are three reasons why journaling at home can help you navigate your way through these tough essay assignments.
Journaling leads to self-discovery
Believe it or not, those who journal tend to be more in touch with their emotions and thoughts. For many years, I felt out of touch with my feelings, but once I start journaling, I became much more connected to my most-inner thoughts. Personal essays can be stressful, yes, but by just putting your pen to the paper, you'll quickly find that journal writing is a great way to explore different topics you can use in your personal essays. Not only will you be exploring your mind and all its workings, you'll also be learning more about yourself and your feelings as you go along.
Journaling provides inspiration for essays
Oftentimes, my college professors would assign essay topics that were so confusing that I wouldn't even know where to begin. Not only would writer's block get the best of me, I couldn't figure out what I wanted my essay topic to be about. Whenever these unfortunate incidences would occur, however, I'd open up my personal journal and skim through previous entries trying to find essay inspiration. Most of the time, I'd discover my topic inspiration right there in the pages of my own journal. While other students would struggle for days trying to pick their topics, I'd have mine narrowed down in as short as an hour, all thanks to my personal journal.
Journaling helps ease worry and anxiety
It's hard to believe that writing can relieve tension and anxiety so easily, but it's absolutely true. Sometimes we are so caught up in our thoughts and worries that we forget to vent and express them. Don't worry, you don't have to voice how you feel all the time; in fact, the act of writing usually helps reduce most people's worries, stresses, and anxieties. If you've got a big personal essay topic that is plaguing you, take some time to journal your thoughts and feelings about the assignment. Doing so will help ease your tension and get you right back on track.
Many individuals dread writing personal essays, yet one of the best ways to prepare for these important papers is to utilize a personal journal. Don't take my word for it though. Try it out for yourself!
Caroline Ross is a former educator who writes for accreditedonlineuniversities.com. She is an avid reader and advocate for global education and equality. Please submit any comments or feedback below.
Do you find yourself dwelling on missed opportunities? Or perhaps you're having trouble making sense of it all? Please download our free ebook, CreateWriteNow's Expert Guide to Therapeutic Journaling, shows you journaling can provide the tools you need to achieve the happiness we all deserve.
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