You Have a Story; Write It Down
Yesterday I spoke with a friend who asked me about the value of keeping a journal. She’s dealing with a stressful situation right now and the outcome is out of her control.
I told her to do it, that it would help relieve that stress and put things into perspective for her.
She asked me because I kept a journal for more than a decade during a turbulent, adventurous, profound, and occasionally tragic time in my life, starting with a divorce. I have since published those journal entries as books, the second of which is just out: “Heartfelt: Teachers Are People Too.”
When I started keeping that journal, turning it into books was the farthest thing from my mind. I did it to cope with the same kind of stress my friend is dealing with now. And it helped me immensely. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was even cathartic.
As an author, naturally I hope the books sell well. But I doubt they will. Too much competition. Too little exposure. But that’s okay.
Still, I am so gratified that I kept that journal. It was my rock, my anchor for many years. Plus, when I read it decades later, I was struck both by the richness of my life and how well I had handled the tough times. Often, I read entries about people and events that I had totally forgotten about.
I’m not saying that my life has been exceptional either. Every life is unique. Every life is heroic. It’s just that I kept a record and am so glad I did for so many reasons.
My point in telling you this is to advise you to consider keeping a journal as well, especially if you are the introspective sort. You don’t have to write every day or even every week, but just when the spirit moves you.
And in the years to come, when you look back over those pages, you will be so glad you did.?