I want to share an amazing spiritual thought. A man, Brent Brown, owner of the Toyota dealership in Orem Utah, told his story at the MTC where he was preparing to serve a Senior Mission. He said, and I paraphrase as this is all second-hand —
I was doing really well. My first marriage had ended, but I had a wonderful new wife. When she asked to read my mission journal we read it together. I was surprised to find that I had written almost all of Lehi’s Dream from the Book of Mormon in my journal. As I read, I realized that I was in that great and spacious building! I had tasted of the fruit. I knew it was delicious! But I had become so distracted by the things of the world that I lost sight of the Christ.
His journal prompted him to make changes in his life. And then he and his wife served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Rereading his youthful journal rekindled his testimony and transformed him.
All our scriptures are written prophecies, words and testimonies of prophets. It isn’t too strange that by writing your own journal, you can aid in your own spiritual development. By looking back you can see your own journey, how far you’ve come, how you have changed, and how God has helped you in your life.
President Henry B Eyring testified about the benefits of journaling in his talk, O Remember, Remember. If his words aren’t enough for you consider this podcast I found that expounds the benefits of journaling for your brain. Makai Elias Calles names four things journaling can do for you — all based on scientific studies.
- Affect labeling – You put labels and name your emotions. What is this feeling? Why am I feeling this way? Answering these questions have been scientifically proven to relax the brain.
- To-do list – This is a way to let go of lingering thoughts and activities. Write out a detailed plan and how to address them before you go to bed. Science has proven you will sleep better! It’s called cognitive off-loading.
- Distancing – Write your journal in the 3rd person. Instead of “I yelled at my dog” write “(Insert your name) yelled at her dog.” This helps you step outside of yourself and recount past events as a spectator. This exercise has been clinically proven to reduce stress and lead to new insights about the days activities and your response to them.
- Write your story using words such as because, realize, and change. Make the things that happen make sense. Put a positive spin on things. The positive spin has been proven to actually improve your health. As disciples of Christ you can always relate your experiences, good and bad, to your journey back to your Heavenly home with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
As a long time journal writer, I have done all of these exercises. I didn’t know they were so good for me, but I have enjoyed the benefits my entire life. I learned to journal at church, in Young Women’s, and I stuck with it because as a youth I needed to identify my emotions. As an adult I continued because I needed to offload my to-do list. It’s been so helpful all these years!
If you’ve never journaled, don’ t you think it’s about time you did?!
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