Journaling: Twenty Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now

Barbara J. Henry
RaineBoe Productions (2008)
ISBN 9780982105405
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (1/09) 


Barbara J. Henry’s “Journaling” is an inspiring and deeply personal book. Never shying away from sharing a personal story or a tidbit, Ms. Henry very clearly describes how journaling changed her life and how – and in which areas – it could change yours as well.

Divided into short, easy-to-read chapters, the book illustrates many areas in which the simple act of daily writing, or journaling, could and would be helpful to anybody struggling with any kind of a challenge. Yes, I realize this is a tall order – anybody and any kind of a challenge! – yet Ms. Henry presents a compelling argument for this statement. She points out that anybody, regardless of age or sex, could write and would find benefits in doing so. She also directs our attention to the many areas where most of us could use some help – from basic problem solving and clearer thinking in general, to organizing in every sense of the word, and then to the specific area of self-awareness and growth as well as personal matters and personal crises. If you are shaking your head, saying to yourself that you do not have any such challenges, I dare you to read just the table of contents and then declare that there are no areas in your life where you wish for more clarity or better problem-solving skills.

Most of the 25 short chapters follow the same pattern – a couple of pages discussing the given topics, an inspiring quote and several questions helping the reader to clarify the particular topic in their mind. The personal twist on each of the topics is what I found the most endearing in this book – I value an author who is not afraid of putting him- or herself straight into the book.

While I wished for more clarity on the difference between journaling and diary writing, as well as possibly more little tips on exactly how to start the journaling process, I found “Journaling: Twenty Plus Reasons Why You Should Start Now” by Barbara J. Henry a warm and stimulating book. If you are looking for a better way to solve your daily problems and annoyances, why not give it a try?

Make comment on weblog