Journals

I used to keep a journal, way back in elementary and high school. Then life got busy, and I got lazy, and I stopped. A few years ago, I started this blog. It was mainly to keep in touch with people when I moved around / traveled, and let them know how I was doing, and also let them know I was thinking of them. As my techy skills grew, I learned to post pictures and links as well. (You will see none of those until just about last year. Give me a break, I'm in civil engineering;) )

I guess what I realize is that even though blogs can be a great way to communicate, it is something that can be impersonal, and to some extent, superficial. Some bloggers remain anonymous but have a lot to share with cyberspace - some more interesting than others, might I add. I guess there is some sort invincibility feeling when you can write about whoever or whatever you want to, however you like, and no one has to know it's you. It's a way to let things out. Unfortunately, I believe, that detaches us from the responsibility of what we wrote.

Some of you who might read my blog (thanks for checking back on my random posts!), are my friends, since I have a link to this on my FB. I try not to rant. I try to filter and sort my thoughts somewhat before posting them up here, and I try not to offend anyone. I don't write about feelings that are too personal, or if they relate to certain individuals (whether they be angry, sad, ecstatically joyful, etc etc) - though I do share other personal aspects of my thoughts. Looking back on some of my diary entries, they are definitely more personal and on a deeper emotional level. It's actually pretty amusing reading them today. How some things have changed so much, and how others have changed so little.

I think I've been pretty good at posting regularly. And so I think that I'm ready to get back into a committed relationship with my journal. Or diary. I won't neglect this blog. Blogging has definitely stuck with me, at least for a while. But things are different when you put pen to paper. It's more personal, it makes it real and it makes it mine. My handwriting (or scribbles). My raw feelings. My hopes and fears, my dreams and loves. Basically, a sanctuary to spill my guts to - things I don't feel comfortable writing about here.

The best thing about it? I can't delete it. :)

TO DO: Buy a journal book. Hardcover, preferably.