is it wrong that i enjoy (online) journalling?

[Judy2]

for example my forum journal.

it's been criticised before and i am very aware that i am a bit self-centred in it, although i'm not sure how that's not a more or less essential part of journalling.

it feels cathartic to me to put my emotions into words and helpful to share sometimes, but i wonder all the time what others think and if this is wrong or something.

to me, journalling/writing unites my passion for emotional reflection/introspection and languages and i've been doing it for a long time even just for myself. sometimes the additional element of sharing what i write feels nice because it's like some of the thoughts and emotions going on in the mind, i do find interesting or fascinating, after all, and then it's more fun to express that and carry that out into the world. does that make sense? is this wrong?

i think since it feels so natural to me, it's okay that this is a part of my life, but maybe i should practice this in healthier or more deliberate ways? though i am not sure what that would look like, either. 

Edited Wednesday at 11:02 PM by Judy2

[UnbornTao]

You enjoy it, so that's what matters. People here find different uses for their journals, with "emptying out" being one of the big benefits. It can be used to empower learning, sensitivity, accountability, etc. - as your assessment shows. 

On the other hand, why are you asking for validation? That's WRONG!!!  

Edited 17 hours ago by UnbornTao

[TimStr]

Journaling is a kind of writing, that you are doing just for yourself.

No need to feel bad about in any way it as long as it serves you!

I did tons of journaling ranging from very conceptual self-analysis all to downwright insulting people I was angry at and punching holes into the paper with my pen. Had to get all of that out of my system. So it served me in that way.

The only thing I would advise against is sharing journal entrys that you wrote about other people with those people. Especially if you were in an emotionally charged situation. The journal is a snapshot of your emotional state. It can never capture the entirety of your feelings towards a person. So its very easy to hurt people if you shared a snapshot where you expressed yourself in a situation where you were angry. 

Edited Wednesday at 11:04 PM by TimStr

[Davino]

Life is too short for not doing what you love

[Carl-Richard]

Journalling on online forums can be a good way to thread the needle on narcissistic exhibitionism and genuine self-insight.

[ZenSwift]

This just sounds like any normal blogging

[LastThursday]

9 hours ago, Judy2 said:

it's been criticised before

If someone criticises you for something you enjoy doing, then either ignore them or politely tell them to f*** off. I find journalling fun.

[Lila9]

Quote

is it wrong that i enjoy (online) journalling?

No 🙂

This is completely normal and healthy, and the advantages you described (like catharsis) are real and good for mental health.

Also sharing online in a community of like-minded people (more or less, I guess) feels almost like talking to a real human, but without the risks of real-life consequences due to anonymity.

I find your posts real and relatable. I don’t read many journals here lately but in the times I read yours it gives me a cozy feeling like reading a letter from a friend, reading the thoughts of a beloved character in a book, or reading an article from an author with a unique and distinguishable style that I admire.

However, if you feel uncomfortable with an online journal this is valid as well.

I had two journals here which I removed because I have the tendency to overshare (or at least to believe that I overshared) and regret it because I feel too exposed and vulnerable, as if I am naked.

But on the other hand, I do crave people to see more vulnerable and exposed parts of me, because I do want to feel seen and express and share, so I'm torn between the two hahaha

Anyway, your journal and the journals of others here gave me inspiration to create a new journal when I am more prepared.

[No1Here2c]

The Hell is wrong with that?

[No1Here2c]

She knows:

.

[Xonas Pitfall]

It's awesome! You can even start a blog! 

[shenanigans]

https://archive.org/details/en_office2010ver7268

[Judy2]

3 hours ago, Lila9 said:

I had two journals here which I removed because I have the tendency to overshare (or at least to believe that I overshared) and regret it because I feel too exposed and vulnerable, as if I am naked.

But on the other hand, I do crave people to see more vulnerable and exposed parts of me, because I do want to feel seen and express and share, so I'm torn between the two hahaha

yes i can relate:)

[Judy2]

2 hours ago, shenanigans said:

https://archive.org/details/en_office2010ver7268

context?