The Importance of Journalling

Have you ever written in a journal? Maybe you kept a diary when you were young. Maybe you keep a journal right now. Maybe you write daily, weekly, or when the spirit moves you.  

The journal - an integral part of the pilgrim experience

I already wrote a blog post about my journal, but this is now post-Camino, so I have new thoughts on journalling. 

Benefits of Journalling 

My friend Deb Barrett wrote a blog post about journalling, in which she offered eight reasons to write in a journal. Here is a summary of that list, but you can read the whole post. 

1. Processing emotions 

2. Reflecting on experiences 

3. Setting and achieving goals 

4. Recording memories 

5. Creativity and self-expression 

6. Stress relief 

7. Self-discovery 

8. Keeping track of personal development 

Journalling on the Camino 

Along the Camino pilgrimage route, you might want to journal for any of the reasons above. Certainly, recording your memories, reflecting on your experience, and processing emotions would be high on the list, but they all fit—depending on how your pilgrimage is going. 

I was impressed this year on the Camino, seeing so many people writing in a journal. Including a lot of young adult pilgrims. I felt that by taking the time to record their thoughts and feelings, they were maximizing the impact of this transformative experience. Some drew pictures, some wrote poems, others simply wrote. 

Of course, there are other ways to journal. You could use the notes app or make voice memos on your phone. You could do an online blog or use a service like Find Penguins (with the benefit of easily creating a photobook after your trip). 

The Birth of My Camino Trip Journal 

Somewhere along my novel-writing journey, I decided to create a Camino Trip Journal. I guess it was about the time I started to plan my Camino for 2025. I had decided to spend more time writing in a journal.  

First, I looked at existing Camino journals on Amazon. None of these seemed just right for me. Next, I made a mock-up of a journal, intending to just print it out and staple it together. 

Then it struck me – I am an author! I can make my own journal! I already had cover art that I could use with minimal alterations, and the support of Teena Clipston of Clipston Publishing. She helped to turn my vision into reality, with some fun ideas of her own. 

I was delighted by how it all turned out, and yes, I used it every day while walking the Camino this spring. 

If you have a Camino planned and would like to journal, have a look at mine—or purchase one for a friend who is an aspiring pilgrim. It could motivate them to book that flight to Europe!