Journaling has been a foundation my life’s journey, a steadfast friend through my highs and lows. It’s more than just a habit; it’s a profound tool for reflection, growth, and legacy. Let me share a few stories that illustrate why journals have mattered so much to me.
A Companion in Adventure and Self-Discovery
My first significant encounter with journaling began at 18. The day after high school graduation, I embarked on a summer adventure to Scotland. I arrived in Oban, a quaint seaside town, ready to explore the Scottish Isles. Amidst the unfamiliarity, a bookstore in Oban became a haven where I stumbled upon two treasures: Garrison Keillor’s “Lake Wobegon” and a red and blue journal. This journal was about to become my closest travel companion.
As I traversed through Scotland, the journal was my confidant. I poured my thoughts, dreams, sketches, and musings onto its pages. It was more than a diary; it was a space for unfiltered expression, a safe haven for a young soul grappling with the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Dreams of becoming a writer, living on an island, owning a fancy car – typical of an 18-year-old’s fantasies – found their home in this journal. Looking back, I regret getting rid of it a few years later; its pages were a mosaic of youthful aspirations and experiences. This loss taught me a crucial lesson – never throw away your journals.
A Beacon During Turbulence
Years later, journaling became a lifeline during one of my life’s most challenging phases. My father was battling dementia, I was grappling with depression, and adapting to my role as a new father. Amidst this, I set a goal – to write 1000 words daily. Over three years, this practice amounted to a million words – a testament to endurance and reflection.
This period of journaling was transformative. It allowed me to befriend myself, to find solace and understanding in my own written words. Recently, as I reread these journals to compile them into a hardcover book, I was struck by how much I had forgotten. The joys and trials of early parenthood, the pain of watching a loved one fade away, my personal struggles – all were captured in those pages. This process was not just about preservation but also about rediscovery and gaining a new perspective on that tumultuous period.
A Posthumous Gift of Understanding
The final story I want to share is about my mother, who passed away a couple of years ago. Our relationship was complex; she was proud yet often seemed disinterested in my life. After her passing, while sorting through her belongings, I discovered a journal I had given her two decades before.
In this journal, my mother had documented key events in my life – my marriage, graduation, the birth of my child. Though sporadic, her entries provided a glimpse into her thoughts and feelings about me. This discovery was a profound emotional experience, offering closure and a deeper understanding of my mother’s inner world.
The Lasting Impact of Journaling
These experiences have cemented my belief in the power of journaling. A journal can be a friend in solitude, a mirror reflecting our journey, and a legacy we leave behind. It allows us to capture moments of joy and hardship, providing a window into our resilience and the beauty of our lives. For those who struggle to express themselves, a journal can be a medium to convey love, appreciation, and inner thoughts to loved ones.
Journaling is a gift – to ourselves and to others. It’s a tool for personal growth, a repository of memories, and a bridge to future generations. Whether it’s capturing the essence of a fleeting moment or chronicling a lifetime of experiences, the pages of a journal hold the power to transcend time, offering insights and comfort across the years.