Validation and Clarity

The events in our lives happen

in a sequence in time,

but in their significance  to ourselves

they find their own order.

Eudora Welty

In early grade school, I was given a three year diary and then eventually a five year diary.  By the summer between seventh and eighth grade, I had written one novel and was working on another.  All of my writings in high school seemed to be penned during very negative episodes and accumulated faster than one would expect.   All of these writings were burned the summer after my junior year in college and to this day, I regret this unnecessary event.  

My writing has always been rather private, never sharing it with any one, until I was able to find comfort and joy in the actual experience of writing.  Classes in English, Literature, and Journalism helped me to fine tune my skills.  Being an avid reader increased my sense of rhythm with words.

After years of baby books, quick notes jotted down when being a full time mother of four allowed, I did find time to return to my writing.  Fancy journals were eventually replaced by the ease of writing on a computer, but I continued to keep notebooks on dreams, events, and feelings. 

There is quite an accumulation of what I have written and it is with great interest I wander through them at will.  Sometimes I want to rip a page out, while other times I can hardly believe my hand has written such wisdom.  My best work is when I find myself 'in the flow' and words just stream from somewhere unbeknown to me. 

THE WOMAN'S COMFORT BOOK, A Self-Nurturing Guide for Restoring Balance in Your Life, by Jennifer Louden is an excellent book.  The author wrote this book after her life had been greatly challenged and she realized how badly she needed to nurture herself.  She composed this book, filling it with endless 'how to' chapters.  The chapters range from discerning personal comfort, soothing sounds, developing voice, bathing pleasures, solitude ... the list goes on.  There is no particular order, so you can pick and choose the subject at will.  Each chapter leads the reader through a hands on experience to encourage self-discovery.  Although not required, journaling can be a very important piece to this experience.

When we document the transitions in our lives, it adds substance and insight.  At the time of our writing, we may not be aware of the importance of what is recorded, but as time passes, validation and clarity clearly stand out.  We become aware of events being related although not noticed at the time.

Journaling is not about perfect grammar or punctuation.  Some women will sketch or cut out pictures.  Many will jot down phrases before bed.  Others carry a small notebook in their purse to record interesting comments or happenings during the day.  There is no set rule. We can find expensive journals on line or use a black and white composition book.  It is for each of us to decide.  Why not give it a try!