There are many reasons why journaling has declined over the years. First, as with any activity, journaling takes time. Today, however, sailors have many options on how they use their time. Whether at sea or shore, social media, video games, distance learning, family, friends, fatigue, and a host of other activities dissuade many from putting pen to paper. The other reason is psychological. Journaling is uncomfortable. It requires candor and honesty. Journaling is about exploring the internal dialogue we all have with ourselves. Many sailors prefer not to spill their thoughts on the page. Yet we all struggle with failures and fears; we all struggle during a long deployment. These feelings are universal in the naval service. However, for every excuse or aversion to writing in a journal, there are more benefits to taking a few minutes each day to write something down in a notebook. Here are just a few.