Bench Diary: Write Your Thoughts in a Community Journal The worldwide phenomenon has landed in the Boston area. By Steve Annear · 4/9/2014, 3:05 p.m.

I thought it would be useful to keep a diary of those two weeks, bearing in mind that I had first visited this town as an anthropologist in 1969 and had returned almost every year since then.

Writing in a diary allows you to reflect on your thoughts and emotions, helping you to understand yourself better. This increased self-awareness can lead to personal growth and development. 5.

Mr Elborough also highlights how people reading a diary critical of them can be upset, a point echoed by Dr Withey, who adds that regular writing requires effort and discipline.