One of the benefits of writing is that it helps check the tendency to impose the present on the past.
What you’re going through right now can start to feel pervasive, eternal. Your memories slowly morph to the mold of your mood.
When you go back and read your writings from the past, it breaks the spell. You get a reminder of your previous headspace, and often discover fun things you forgot.
I’m surprised by the extent to which some of my older posts feel entirely new to me. They’re introducing me to a person I barely know anymore.