Have you noticed all the buzz about journaling lately? Everywhere you turn—social media, lifestyle blogs, wellness apps—people are talking about writing things down, keeping diaries, or even bullet journaling. And while it might seem like just a trendy new habit, journaling is actually a tool humans have used for centuries to reflect, organize their thoughts, and preserve their lives.
As a grandparent, I can tell you that time feels like it moves faster than we’d like, and the little moments we share with our grandchildren—the giggles, the stories, the small lessons—can slip away before we even realize it. Journaling offers a gentle way to capture these memories, reflect on your day, and even leave a legacy for your family.
A Little History: Journaling Through the Ages
Journaling isn’t new. People have been keeping diaries for hundreds, even thousands of years. Early diary-keepers didn’t have colorful notebooks or apps; they had parchment, quills, and sometimes very careful handwriting. They documented personal thoughts, daily routines, travel experiences, and observations about the world. In a sense, journaling has always been about making sense of life and preserving it for the future.
From explorers to writers, from philosophers to presidents, many people used journaling as a tool for reflection, growth, and creativity. And just as they found it useful, we can too—especially in this fast-paced, multi-tasking world we live in today.
10 Famous People Who Journaled (and Why It Helped Them)
Here’s a list of some notable figures throughout history who kept journals or diaries, along with how it benefited them:
- Anne Frank – Perhaps the most famous young diarist, Anne documented her life in hiding during World War II. Her journal preserved her thoughts, hopes, and humanity, giving the world an enduring personal perspective on history.
- Leonardo da Vinci – The quintessential Renaissance man kept detailed notebooks filled with sketches, scientific observations, and inventions. His journals were a playground for creativity and exploration, helping him innovate across disciplines.
- Marcus Aurelius – The Roman emperor wrote Meditations, a series of personal reflections on leadership, virtue, and self-discipline. Journaling helped him process his responsibilities and stay centered amidst enormous pressures.
- Virginia Woolf – The English author kept a lifelong diary that helped her explore emotions, ideas, and creative inspiration. It gave her space to reflect on life’s challenges and shape her writing.
- Benjamin Franklin – Franklin tracked his daily habits, goals, and moral exercises in his journals. This self-monitoring helped him maintain focus, discipline, and personal growth.
- Frida Kahlo – The Mexican painter’s journals combined sketches, poetry, and personal reflection. They were a private space for creativity, healing, and self-expression during challenging times.
- Mahatma Gandhi – Gandhi maintained diaries to document his thoughts, spiritual reflections, and plans for social reform. Writing helped him clarify his values and strategies for nonviolent activism.
- Samuel Pepys – A 17th-century English naval administrator, Pepys kept meticulous daily diaries detailing political events, personal life, and social observations. Today, they provide historians with a rich window into life in Restoration England.
- Marie Curie – The pioneering scientist kept detailed lab notes and personal reflections. Journaling helped her track experiments and maintain focus amidst groundbreaking work and personal challenges.
- Sylvia Plath – The poet and author used her diary as a safe space to process emotions, develop ideas, and refine her writing. Journaling offered an outlet for creativity and introspection.
How Journaling Can Help You as a Grandparent
These examples show that journaling isn’t just for writers or thinkers—it’s a tool for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, preserve memories, and reflect on life. For grandparents, journaling can:
- Capture everyday moments with grandchildren that might otherwise fade from memory.
- Leave a legacy—your grandchildren can read your stories, laughter, and life lessons for years to come.
- Provide reflection and mindfulness—writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions, celebrate wins, and notice gratitude in daily life.
- Encourage creativity—journals don’t have to be all words. Photos, sketches, or little mementos can make the pages come alive.
Getting Started
If you’ve never kept a journal before, start small. You don’t need perfect handwriting or a fancy notebook. Even five minutes a day, jotting down one memory, one observation, or one thought of gratitude, can create a habit that grows into something meaningful.
And the best part? Over time, you’ll create a treasure trove of memories, reflections, and stories—a gift not just for yourself, but for your family for generations to come.
Next Steps:
In my upcoming post, I’ll share a complete journaling starter guide for grandparents, including printable pages, prompts, and creative ideas to make your journaling effortless and fun. Whether you want to capture everyday adventures, reflect on personal growth, or leave a legacy, this guide will help you get started.
Stay tuned, and get ready to make journaling part of your daily life—because these moments, your thoughts, and your stories are worth preserving.