Journals

The Editor's Pick List this week is certainly showcasing some fine journals.  I've only had a chance to look each one over briefly, but I am so impressed!  Each one could have been the #1 journal - and that's not taking anything away from the one that was chosen as #1 either.  They are really great journals.

That got me to thinking about what motivates one to sit and write everyday - or nearly every day.  Do we write because we love it?  Are we trying to gain some kind of acceptance from others?  Is there some deep seated need within each of us to be in the spotlight?  Are we trying to gain validation of our feelings?  What is so special about our lives that we feel we need to share it with the world? 

For me it is probably a little of all of those things and perhaps more.  Certainly when I read other journals I am looking for a common thread.  Something that will "link" my life and that of the author's.  When I find it - when I can relate to that other person - I find myself being drawn back time and again to their journal. 

I have given up reading books since I started journaling.  I've found that some of the best author's are those right here, and many (most) have never been published before!  The daily "stories" that I read are much better than any book sitting on a shelf. 

I used to feel sad when I'd finish a really good book.  I'd get so wrapped up in the story and characters that when the book was finished, there would be a sort of grieving period (if you know what I mean) that I'd go through. 

With journaling I won't have to go through that, because you guys are always here!  Your daily stories will continue, and they will provide endless hours of enjoyment for me and others.  And since there are so many of you it'd be impossible to go through much of a grieving process, because there aren't enough hours in the day to read you all! 

So the bottom line is this:  I don't care what the reasons any of you have for writing your journals.  I'm just glad that you do!