I have kept a diary for about 5 years. It has helped at times to get my thoughts out, but on the other hand, I'm always afraid of someone finding it. Also I always seem to write when I'm upset and when I look back all the entries are sad even though I'm not usually sad. Is it worth keeping a diary?

I've kept a journal since 7th grade-- and I am now 30! I love journal writing, whether it be sad or happy. Looking back at my journal entries doesn't make me sad but makes me see that each year I have changed in the "small areas" of my life. Seriously, life is way too short to let mundane things ruin your happiness-- trust me!

If life is weighing you down then make the journal more of a "top 3 thing(s)" that went well for the day...

I think keeping a journal is a great thing to do. I know that it can tend to only keep thoughts pertaining to times when you are sad or troubled, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.

When I am confused or down it really helps for me to put my thoughts onto paper. It almost removes the thoughts from my head and puts them on paper so I can digest and process them to figure out why I feel the way I do and what I can do to change that.

A travel journal is also something that is great to keep.

I actually found a website that lets you keep a password protected journal on the internet that I use - check it out:http://www.my-diary.org/

That website is a great idea. I think that writing about your feelings is always a great thing. If anything, it lets you tell yourself how you are feeling.

Many times, you may end up writing in your journal, but it can be directed towards a loved one - this can also turn into a letter to give to them if you want them to know how you feel.

If you are ever afraid of someone finding it, you can always shred it afterwards. Much easier than writing in code I believe that the act of writing down helps so much.

At least for me, writing things down really helps me focus on what is going through my head. It makes so much more sense after I write it down.

I think keeping a journal is great. I find it useful to lay out my thoughts - It helps me understand them better. I find it easier to write out my thoughts in songs or poems - it makes more sense to me.

Everyone has their own special way
Deciphering the events of the day
This is what makes us all unique
Feeling alone, but not a freak
Write it, sing it, all for yourself
This makes you, you and no one else