More than twenty years ago, I started keeping a journal. My practice was to keep up the entries for several days and then completely abandon the project. Over the years with the beginnings all over the place, I realized that my journals could be intermittent and include phrases instead of sentences filled with perfect grammar.

I never could decide until just recently who those journals were intended to please…me or the reader long after my days had ended. My conclusion: The journals are for everyone and each will have a different need filled by them. The need for grandchildren to remember fun times from long ago that are merely sketches in their minds is the purpose of one journal. Another journal will be one for helping me remember trips and vacations or maybe to comfort my spouse as my memory fails. Another might answer some questions for friends and relatives about my true nature.

Journals are reflections. My mother used to write her reflections alongside the text of a book we both read daily. When she died my sister gave me that book, and as I reread her thoughts she comes and sits next to me.

The most valuable gift I can give my loved ones, are my hopes and dreams written in a journal. I have positive messages to put away for later. I don’t believe that life is short, but I do believe that life is worthwhile and certainly a gift from my Higher Power.

Just look on my shelves for notebooks and pretty covers. They aren’t in order, so begin with the first one you find. I hope I can shed some light on a question or help to guide you.