Why Journaling After 50 Is More Than a Hobby—It’s a Necessity
Fifty Plus, Fabulous, and Forgetful Journal
This morning, as I stepped into the shower, a spark of brilliance hit me. It was the kind of idea that makes you think, This could change the world—or at least my next article. By the time I made it to my desk? Gone. Vanished like a sock in the dryer. I tried retracing my steps, replaying the moment in my head, but it was hopeless.
And that, my friends, is precisely why keeping a journal is non-negotiable after 50.
The Case for Writing It Down
Let’s face it: our brains don’t operate like they used to. Thoughts come and go with the speed of a text notification, and the ones that linger tend to be about what’s for dinner. The meaningful stuff? The reflections, the epiphanies, the little moments that make us who we are? They evaporate unless we commit them to paper.
But why does it matter? At this stage in life, isn’t it easier to just let it go? No. Because if we don’t write our stories, who will?
Your Story Is Worth Telling
As a woman without children, this hits close to home for me. When I’m gone, who will carry my story forward? Who will know the journey I’ve taken, the battles I’ve fought, the lessons I’ve learned? If I don’t document it, my life risks becoming a faint whisper in the universe. And I’m not about that life.
History isn’t just made up of kings and presidents. It’s also built on the stories of everyday people—your triumphs, my struggles, our shared humanity. Journaling isn’t just about preserving memories; it’s about ensuring that our voices are heard. Because history is just as much her story as it is his.
Writing for the Soul
Let’s be real: life after 50 isn’t always a walk in the park. Between navigating menopause, dealing with family obligations, and trying to remember why you walked into the kitchen, there’s a lot going on. Journaling offers a safe space to untangle the chaos.
Think of it as therapy without the co-pay. When you write, you’re free to let it all out—the frustrations, the triumphs, the little victories no one else notices. It’s cathartic. It’s healing. And best of all? There’s no one there to critique your handwriting or grammar.
Moments Worth Remembering
Life isn’t just about the big milestones; it’s also about the small, seemingly insignificant moments that make up our days. Like when you finally parallel parked without hitting the curb or managed to keep a plant alive for more than a week.
These little wins may not seem like much, but when you look back, they tell the story of your life. Journaling captures these moments before they slip away, so you can revisit them years later and think, Wow, I really did that.
The Practical Side of Journaling
Let’s talk logistics. Between my podcast, blog, Substack, and day job, my brain is always running a marathon. Add in menopause, and it’s like my mental bandwidth has been downgraded to dial-up. Keeping a journal isn’t just a creative outlet; it’s my survival tool.
I’ve learned the hard way that scribbling ideas on the backs of receipts or random sticky notes doesn’t cut it. By the time I need those notes, they’re either lost or illegible. Having a dedicated journal is a game-changer. It’s where I store my ideas, my to-do lists, and yes, even my grocery list.
Journaling Is Self-Care
Science backs me up on this one. Journaling reduces stress, improves mood, and even helps you sleep better. Who doesn’t want that? And don’t let the excuse of “I don’t have time” stop you. You don’t need an hour-long ritual. Five minutes while your coffee brews or before bed is all it takes.
Leave Your Mark
Here’s the bottom line: journaling isn’t just about you. It’s about the people who will come after you—the ones who might stumble upon your words decades from now and feel a connection. It’s about leaving a legacy, no matter how small.
Because your story matters. Your voice matters. And the world deserves to hear it.
Start Today
So, grab the Fifty Plus, Fabulous, and Forgetful Journal from Amazon, a pen, and start writing. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be you. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: life is fleeting, but words are forever.
Oh, and if you’ve cracked the secret to remembering shower thoughts, drop me a line. Until then, let’s write them down before they disappear.
What do you think? Are you ready to start journaling? Share your thoughts in the comments and let’s inspire each other to capture the magic of our lives, one page at a time.