Why Journal?
Eagle Mountain, early cover image of a book that became a different book, Nurturing the Song Within
Writing is a form of therapy; sometimes I wonder how all those who do not write, compose or paint can manage to escape the madness, the melancholia, the panic fear which is inherent in the human situation.
- Graham Greene
The purpose of a journal is to explore – explore new concepts, new visions, explore fears and explore one’s relationship with oneself. A journal offers a connection to our interior world, to ideas and concepts just beyond our grasp.
A journal isn’t a finished work. As artists, we work out vague concepts in our journals. We experiment with loose sketches, quick watercolor washes. Journals are meant to include mistakes. Dig deep into the essence of your life and your art in your journal. Go down blind alleys. Search for what it all means. Don’t be critical. Have the courage to fail. Above all else, the rule is to not give up. Keep pushing the envelope. Keep pushing your comfort zone.
In my journal, I explore the self-doubts, the struggles, the lessons learned during a life that has encompassed both major success and major failure. Like all lives, it includes both joy and sadness. Loss. Lots and lots of adventures in wilderness, in business, in love.
So what have I concluded over the now seventy years?
The parameters of our lives are determined by both luck and mindset. As far as mindset goes, there are three key factors. First integrity. The most difficult thing about integrity is integrity with oneself. Second courage. A life of courage is defined by parameters way way larger and more interesting than a life determined by fear. Finally, the ability to compound effort — does what I do today build on what I did yesterday. Does what I this year build on what I did last year? Of the three, I’m most deficient on the third. A new adventure often seems more interesting and fun than the one I’m currently engaged in. Hopefully, as I age, I’m more focused.
The course of our lives are also shaped by the degree to which we have faith in our uniqueness as an individual human being. Faith is hard. It’s the price though of a creative journey, a creative life. Life is precious, time is precious. Have the grit and persistence to see it through. Grit and persistence come from faith. If it’s the right path, your unique path, your path that offers to the world the best you have in you, doors will open. You will know you are on it when you feel really alive.
On your path, you make your unique contribution. We need that from each other.
Search for the thing that is searching for you.
. . .
Journaling question:
What have you concluded, so far, over your life, is the major lesson learned? What belief or beliefs are worth basing your life on? Are you on a path that makes you feel really alive?