Journaling
I've tried journaling on and off over what feels like years. I've done it on paper across multiple journals, I've put down words on vimwiki, Obsidian and probably others. What's made me stop? I think, for the most part, it's been a matter of time, of shifting priorities.
Ultimately, that may have come as a misunderstanding of the true purpose of journaling, or at least its merits. Over time, I think I've come to gain a better grasp of both.
As it stands, I see journaling as:
A record of my mental health. I have depression. I might always have depression. Through journaling, I gain access to my thoughts, feelings and moods. If I journal with complete openness and transparency, truly write for myself, those entries will be extremely valuable not only for later spelunking but also for checking in on myself regularly
A record of my memories. Memories are fragile things. My own seem especially fragile and prone to disappearing. Writing them down forces me to give them shape and permanence
That said, I want to look into how others have used and continue to use journaling. Reading the journals of people I admire will give me insight into their processes. And, as a bonus, just more insight into the people I admire! Win win.
Some published journals I want to get into in the near future:
- Reborn: Journals & Notebooks, 1947-1963 by Susan Sontag
- Orwell Diaries 1938-1942 by George Orwell
- Bicycle Diaries by David Byrne
- Scott's Last Expedition by Robert Falcon Scott
⁂