Do You Journal?

I’m not sure if this topic has to do with growing older or not, because I have journaled for a very long time. Still, it seems worth writing about.

I don’t remember exactly when I started journaling. I have journals going back 20+ years, but I’m sure that wasn’t the beginning. Maybe it was in a journalism class when we were encouraged to keep a small notebook with us all the time, in pocket or purse. I remember writing down things that moved me, whether beautifully or tragically.

Mid-life brought a lot of change and challenges for me, and I wrote to try to figure out what was happening in my life–and maybe even why. At some point I taught journaling classes (because I was broke). I consulted several books on how to journal, but none seemed helpful. The only way I knew to teach was to share what I’d done and get them to WRITE.

So here are some random thoughts:

• The act of writing, “putting pen to paper,” accesses another part of the brain different from just thinking. It helps me order my thoughts and thus gives me clarity and even peace.
• Keeping journals provides a history of my life. Regarding the books I have written, people have asked me, “How did you remember all those details?” Clearly it was by writing them down in the present experience.
• Anything is OK to write about. Making a proper tomato sandwich for lunch. What happened and who was there at my 40th, 50th, and 60th birthday parties, at my daughter’s wedding and my son’s funeral.
• Often I write down just the questions. (Why did my son get such a random disease? Should I risk dating again? Am I willing to write another book?) Days or weeks may pass, and then I get more light shed on the subject.
• Most importantly, journals are private. No one reads my journals (at least not until I am dead!) I can “tell” my journal whatever I need to, like a trusted friend.

If you don’t already journal and you want to try, here are some suggestions:

• Get a simple, lined book. (Mine are usually 6”x9”.) Use a good pen.
• Aim for writing daily. A few lines will do. This will help you establish the practice.
• Any time is fine. Middle of the night. In a boring work meeting. (The old Daytimers with blank pages at the back were perfect for this!) I usually journal first thing in the morning and sometimes in the evening, too.
• Keep your journals, and go back and reread some occasionally. You may be amazed at how you have changed. Also keep them safe. If you think someone might read them, hide them or lock them up. Your thoughts are YOURS, a sacred journey not to be invaded.

Some people keep different types of journals. A gratitude journal. A prayer journal. A dream journal. A food journal. I prefer to keep a general journal, providing a historical/chronological perspective.

If you don’t journal, I’d encourage you to try. It really doesn’t take any special skills. Just a decision and a little discipline.