KEEPING JOURNALS

We are admonished by so many people to write in our journals daily, to crystallize our thoughts so that we may learn who we are, what we think, feel, and what we dream about. A journal helps us to remember experiences, to glean new ideas, to laugh, cry, think, ponder, wonder, question, and to examine our inner thoughts.

I started keeping a "daily journal" years ago. However, there was so much going on in my busy life that it almost became impossible for me to record everything, and I felt somewhat over-whelmed. I then realized that I had focused on many negative things and re-reading them brought me sadness. That was certainly not the intention of my daily journaling.

I then started my "gut-wrenching journal" where I purged my negative thoughts and got all that nasty poison out of my system. I actually found this to be helpful for as soon as I was through madly writing, I would rip it up and throw it away. Bye Bye bad thoughts!

I next started my "happy journal" where I wrote about experiences which brought me a great measure of happiness. I enjoyed this for a time, but felt a little unfulfilled with that approach.

After that I started my "gratitude journal" which is a delight to read but did not paint the whole picture.

I finally started writing a "purpose" journal and I found true gratification.

So, now I have my "daily journal," my "gut-wrenching journal," my "gratitude journal, " and my "purpose journal." I have since added a "thought journal." I feel so inspired!

Yes it is true, I have been a bit fickle with my journal writing. Yet, I continue to enjoy writing my experiences, feelings, and inner thoughts. Sometimes my thoughts are funny, sometimes they are sad. Sometimes they are profound, and sometimes they are glad. It has taken me many years to sort out which thing should go into which journal. I am afraid that some day, when I am old and senile, I will probably get mixed up and rip up my "happy journal" and save my "gut-wrenching journal."

Oh, this world of journaling has become so complicated for me. I may have to start another journal "How to keep track of my 'daily journal,' my 'gut-wrenching journal,' my 'gratitude journal,' my 'purpose journal,' and my 'thought journal!'" Is there enough room on the shelf? Woe is me!