Mr. Rawles,
M.E.R. makes good points for the practice of journaling. I, too, encourage the activity. I would add a related activity – logging. No, not cutting trees, but recording activities, events, and details. I do my journaling within my log. I am not big on “my feelings”. I am more about doing what is needed and savoring the feelings later. Better? No. Different perhaps. I have found logging to be extremely valuable. My log has been computerized for decades, but lends itself to the same manual media as presented by M.E.R.
I have recorded diverse events for years. I have records of when things have been serviced or repaired and the cost. I have found this useful for repair/replace decisions. It is helpful to plan for anticipated cost of servicing a piece of equipment. I know the price will be higher but I know by order of magnitude an estimate for the need. I have recorded my planting and harvest for decades. It allows me further planning in what our production will be and what changes may be needed. I have recorded weather events for many years. I have discovered a link between weather patterns and food production in our area. Again, planning is assisted. I have a record of service on equipment. I can quickly find part numbers, contact information for the vendor, etc. This all saves me time, and gets me to a solution much faster.
In the very same log are a wide variety of topics, including ones related to feelings, reactions, and responses. It helps to recall family gatherings and who attended and what was going on at the time. I have included anecdotal memories of significant events, like sitting on my sea bag, awaiting deployment during the Cuban Missile Crisis. It contributes to continuity in the family. We have a record of trips and details to augment the pictures taken. It has been helpful to have a source that is less changeable than my memory.
I am sure there are concerns about whether the computer will be around after everything falls apart. Possibly not. But, doing on paper provides the same benefits as if it were a computerized process. First, it centralizes the recorded information, which is no trivial thing. Second, marginal notes or symbols allow finding particular kinds of entries quickly. (For example: if you recall an event in the early part of a particular year, you can go to that time frame and look for the particular type of entry you are trying to recall.) Third, it is far more reliable than memory. And, it is a self reminder that you have lived and done something in your life. It doesn’t matter if it isn’t important to anyone else. It is important to you. – Jim D.
JWR Replies: I wholeheartedly concur that it is important to journal–or at least record in a calendar–events such as the first frost of each year, late frosts, livestock breeding dates, planting dates, oil changes, bearing re-packings, brake pad replacements, battery servicings, chimney cleanings, and personal loans of cash, books, DVDs, or tools. (The latter is important for maintaining good relations with neighbors, relatives, and fellow church goers!) To some, this sort of minutiae might seem trivial. But if and when we revert to YOYO time, these details may become crucial. And even in the present day, they are helpful in maintaining equipment properly, and keeping track of tax records.