Dear Diary

I attended a wonderful wedding this month. The father of the bride made a toast that was both funny and poignant. At the rehearsal dinner he spoke about his daughter and referenced observations he's made in his journal over time, as his daughter was growing from a child into an amazing woman.

On the day of the wedding the father's references to his journal become fodder for jokes, all centered around the expression “dear diary.” This did not stop him from making his toast--a toast that combined laughter and tears as well as references to his “diary” without apology. It was a very memorable speech.

Through the years I have heard numerous dismissive comments made about keeping a journal as though it was some egotistical practice that encouraged bad behavior and whining. Yes it can be, but so can conversation. So should we not converse ever, since it can be such a waste of time?

I took a seminar from an American naval pilot who had been a prisoner of war in North Vietnam for a number of years. When he returned home, life as he had once known it was now far different. He had to completely rebuild his life. He taught in the Navy and he lectured. The once thing that stuck with my from his story and his seminar was this: "Unwritten thought is unfocused thought.”

One can talk about plans and dreams, taking action or making changes. If anything is to ever actually happen though, it's got to get our of your head. Get it on paper, on a screen or in a file to be reviewed, altered, and revisited. Until then, it hasn't begun. Talking and doing are two different things.

Journals are a great tool for fueling these ideas. Journaling focuses us, allows reflection, and it allows honesty and truth. We can converse with ourselves in a journal, take notice of and congratulate change and progress. A journal captures a moment, a journey, and it let’s us participate more fully in our life. Our history unfolds right before us.

I've heard plenty of excuses not to write in a journal. “I can’t write every day, no time,” is a popular one. But it's not about discipline, it's about you; do what you can. All you need is paper, fingers, and willingness and eventually--oddly enough--it becomes a friend you want to visit, and revisit. Your history of focused thought is recorded. These journals can not only be a wonderful aid in your current life but a help when you reread them in the future, like the father's toast at his daughter's wedding.

Consider taking the time.

We'd like to hear from you about your journaling practices, thoughts, or maybe why you think journals are a huge waste of time. Whatever is swimming around in your brain, we want you to share it with us! Post your comments.

-Rita