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Why a Journal is Critical to Your Journey
You’re on a journey. And like any good journey, you’ll want to keep a travelogue of your experiences.
We recommend a journal. In fact, we recommend a really nice one with maybe leather binding and built to last. Why?
Because this could (and should) be the most important journey of your life. And depending on the degree to which you embrace this effort, you will likely experience some fascinating ups and downs.
(For comparison purposes, our CEO’s journey took him on vision quests across the Southwestern U.S., to shamanic work in the Amazon, and to healers in the mountains of New Mexico. And believe it or not, those weren’t the most important chapters. Yes, he wishes he’d kept a journal.)
Why a Journal?
We’re not alone on this advice. Most experts focused on personal development urge individuals to keep a journal of their thoughts, plans, experiences. Think of it as a kind of existential autobiography.
“Write hard and clear about what hurts.” – Ernest Hemingway
Some of the more important reasons to keep a journal:
First, a journal is a terrific way to gauge progress. If your opening pages serve as a kind of ‘I am here’ starting position, you can revisit those pages later to see how much has changed.
Second, a journal can be a poignant and meaningful way of keeping notes that matter most to you on your journey. A quote from someone who inspired you, an excerpt from a book, or some random observations that later prove important. It’s easy to forget these little ‘landmarks’ without a recording of them.
“Writing is medicine. It is an appropriate antidote to injury. It is an appropriate companion for any difficult change.” – Julia Cameron
Third, a journal can be a useful tool for sharing your experiences with others at a later date. A loved one, friends, extended family, even colleagues may find your experiences of interest. Because they are!
Fourth, a journal can serve as a kind of scientific instrument through which you challenge yourself and record your attempts (and successes or failures) in tackling those challenges. Think of this journal the same way a mountain climber of seafarer might: as a log for setting a course, making subsequent course changes, and descriptions of how each leg of the journey progressed.
Lastly, a good journey left out in the open will serve as a powerful and provocative reminder to stay the course. It literally may say: “Feed me with your thoughts and aspirations.”