I started to capture my inner, deepest thoughts in 1988 when I was 10 years old. The content back then revolved around playing in the woods and riding my bike. I have saved every journal since 1988. My journal count is at 38 and still increasing. I continue keep a journal as well as this blog. I mainly keep written journals for my kids. I started those before Jonah and McKenna were born. These are not "baby books" that capture height, weight, or favorite color. These journals capture stories and memories about them - all the little things that tend to be forgotten over time.
I think the overall reason I write and journal is the fear of forgetting all of things that happen in a lifetime. As children we learn by memorizing. Our young brains are spongy and soak in memories. As we go older, those brains are tend harden and we can barely remember what we need at the grocery store. Therefore, we write our checklists, to-do lists, and not to-do lists. As much as the internet, Evernote, blogs, and all of the other tech tools tried to replace paper - they truly never will. And this statement is coming from a gal that tends to be paperless. I cannot give up my handwritten journals. I still love to write a letter and send it via snail mail.
Having so many journals that capture every stage of my life are fun to thumb back through. I hope my kids will enjoy their first journals started by me. It's our history book in the making.
Here's a challenge - try sending a good friend or a family member a hand written note. I bet you'll make their day.
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