I have kept a hand written daily diary religiously since 1/1/70. It is a ritual which serves many many purposes.
Some of the positive benefits are historical and others are mental.
I started reading it 11 years ago and each night I am reading 34 years ago today and a year ago today. The benefit of such perspective is immeasurable. The invariable lesson is that the anxiety is, more often than not, much worse than the reality and a taxing waste of energy. To read about my fear and apprehension and know the result is quite empowering, therapuetic and cathartic.
I could go on and on about the benefits, but it is also a slavish time consuming work. Another downside is that there is always the prospect of a subpoena hanging over me and, in fact, it was once subpoenaed.
All in all, I highly recommend the discipline and plan to continue writing my feelings and happenings for the rest of my life.
I sometimes wonder what my last words will be.
So it goes...
Posted By : hydrajet