I call myself a “Journal-ist” because I’ve been writing a journal every day for about 25 years. It began with a strong, compelling need to write some things down. Get things out of my head. Starting with loose-leaf binder pages (probably extras from my kids’ homework) I wrote memories. If they were painful or scary, I destroyed them. Some I burned (call me dramatic). It was cathartic. I suppose it was a little like counseling.
But too much writing of journals can be a form of self-absorption. CS Lewis said he stopped journaling because he became too preoccupied with himself. So true, so easy to do. What’s the point, unless it encourages myself or someone else? There comes a time to stop talking and start listening. Hence the journal evolves and so do we. That’s a story for another day.
I bet my journals wouldn’t differ much from yours. Our circumstances vary in degree of severity and triumph, but invariably obstacles are encountered and we find ways to overcome them. Overcoming obstacles, encountering set-backs, making come-backs, that’s the story of our lives. And that’s what encourages us.
Sandy Ribar 
Love the way you write!! I have found my journals also and have been spending time reading about “that life.” Sandy, you are such an inspiration to me and I do miss your great wisdom when it comes to my topsy-turvy life!!
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The feeling is mutual, Jacquie! Thanks so much for visiting, and for your encouragement! I’ll be posting weekly, so stayed tuned!
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Love this discussion on journaling. I have always had trouble writing down my thoughts on paper…start getting distracted by the question, “who am I writing to?”. I wonder if I am writing to myself – or do I subconciously adapt it to some unknown reader? Maybe it’s a trust issue, but I’m often deterred during the process of journaling by writing things too personal that I may not want to share. Would love to know how others find the freedom to journal without fear.
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“Journaling without fear” is a good discussion point, Bonnie! I think “subconsciously adapt(ing)to some unknown reader” is actually an excellent way to journal. Also, if I or an accidental reader could be hurt or embarrassed, I leave it out. That discernment took some time. May have to censure (tear out pages lol!) really, really old ones! Thanks for the reminder. Would love to hear from others!
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Duly noted & helpful. So journaling with the knowledge of an outside reader, can keep you more positive. Perhaps journaling should be a reflection of your hopes & gratefulness, rather than an outlet for the darker sides of ourselves. Writing down reflections that help us, is the best direction. This inspires the writer in me to overcome the fear of transcribing my experiences….and see it as a cleansing way to uplift myself now & later when I read back on them. Definitely have a new perspective on it….
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Yes! I LOVE, LOVE the way you said that. And, the writing of journals begins and evolves in very personal ways. In my case it began as an outlet, then developed to be more the direction you describe as “reflections of hopes and gratefulness”. Er, most of the time. Positive development came through training myself in responsive writing. As mentioned in my post “that’s a story for another day”. Hmm…”Journal-ist Part 2”? 📕✏️
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I finally got a chance to read your Blog. I am so impressed that you are doing this! We need to get a website to try to generate some interest in Judy’s books, but we haven’t done it. And you have. I have a bookmark on it now so I can come back after it fades from my Facebook news feed.
I suppose I am a Photo-Journal-ist of sorts. I post photos on Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bobcat66/). I am not sure why I do it, but it is related to the fact that when you create something you want to share it. To make it worth the effort. So that others can see something that they otherwise wouldn’t. And to remind yourself of things that happened.
My Photostream is also a glimpse into my life. It’s a biased glimpse because lots of things don’t get posted. Most people don’t want to be on the internet so there are fewer people in my Photostream than in my life. The most important things in my life aren’t in there because if they are important, I am experiencing them instead of taking pictures of them. That’s the good thing about words – you can write them later and after some reflection. You must live with this since you use words and video.
I will look forward to you future posts…
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Thank you, Bob! And an amazing photo-journalist you are! I’m beginning to follow you on flickr. and look forward to seeing more from you! p.s. I will always do a weekly “preview” of the new weekly posts. Either a #myreinspiredlifein25secondsorless video, or a short blurb.
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This makes me think about how we’re so in a time of disclosure right now, when lots of stuff that’s been under wraps is coming out, ultimately because there’s benefit to be had in doing so. It sounds like there’s lots of gold in those journals of yours, and I for one am eager to “hear” more. From what I gather so far, you’ve got a treasure trove of learning and inspiring nuggets to share.
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