People keep journals for a variety of reasons; family history, personal progress, and to preserve memories. They also use journals to record successes and failures, track heath or nutrition, or to document events, conversations, and activities. Keeping a journal of your life and experiences can give you encouragement when you go back and see how far you’ve come, and in cases where you’ve backslidden, you can reflect on what went wrong and what you need to do to improve.

One of many reasons to journal is the therapeutic effect it can have when you’re struggling with a problem or feel like you have no one to talk to about what you’re going through. I remember how beneficial it was for me to write in my journal when I was experiencing the greatest trial I had been through up to that point in my life; finding out that my religious beliefs were not based on truth. My whole world was shaken! I didn’t know how to navigate through the emotional chaos and confusion this created in me or how to respond to all the new information that was coming at me from all directions. My relationships with family and friends wasbeing impacted. I didn’t know what to believe anymore. At the end of each day I pulled out my journal (one of many I had purchased at the LDS Church Distribution Center) and wrote down what I had discovered, how I was feeling, and the significant interactions I had with others. Some interactions were good and others were bad. At the time, I was the only one in my family who came to the definite conclusion that Mormonism wasn’t true; consequently, I felt very alone. Writing in my diary helped me sort it all out, give me some perspective, and stay sane amid the madness of it all.

That’s why I’m excited about the Confessions of an Ex-Mormon Recovery Journal published. With so many members of the church becoming disaffected due to policy and doctrinal changes and controversial aspects of LDS history coming to light, this journal is sure to help them on their road to healing and recovery.

More about Journaling:

26 Reasons Why I Keep a Journal (And Why You Should Too)

Five Reasons You Should Keep a Journal

Two Powerful Reasons to Keep a Journal