A journal can play many roles. It can be a confidant, a vehicle of self-expression, a tool that dreams. A journal can also be a powerful source of comfort during challenging or traumatic periods. When you record those insights and incidents that clearly demonstrate you are on the right track, you can return to your words days, weeks, or months later and find uniquely soothing reassurance. A journal with a specific purpose can be a good tool for keeping track of experiences before the passage of time can skew your perception of events.