Journaling and Memory Keeping

Journaling and memory keeping look similar at first glance—words, photos, stories—but their purpose is wildly different. Journaling is private. It’s your raw thoughts, scribbled prayers, or the rant about your boss you wouldn’t dare post on Facebook. Memory keeping, on the other hand, is curated. It’s the story you choose to preserve or share with others.

Think of journaling as talking to yourself, while memory keeping is talking to your future self—or your kids, grandkids, or whoever stumbles across that photo album someday.

ROBYNE RECOMMENDS: We are all wired differently and I know many people put all of these things together in one place and it works for them. I love that! But if you are struggling to do that, it may be time to look at how to break some things apart and journaling vs. memory keeping is a good place to start. Keep your personal thoughts and feelings separate from memories you want to share with others.

FAITH FOCUS: Journaling is like your secret prayers—just between you and God. Memory keeping is your testimony—the story others can see of God’s faithfulness. One keeps you close to Him; the other shines His light to others. Both matter.

SUMMARY: Neither is “better.” They’re just different. Journaling helps you process life; memory keeping helps you remember life.