Thought for the Week
It’s my 45th Journalversary! Yep, I wrote my first Journal entry forty-five years ago (in June, actually), and have continued journaling, with a few lapses, ever since. I’m a very different guy, slightly-whiter beard included, from that kid rowing on the Thames River (left). Oh, don’t get me wrong, we’re family, but I’ve grown in ways he didn’t. 
Then again, I’ve grown because of him. I’ve read his journal entries and learned a lot from him about what to do–and what not to do. One thing we have in common is our relationship with God. Only mine is less naïve and more mature. Thanks to him.
And so I’ve learned—and I know this sounds suspiciously narcissistic—to celebrate myself. By which I mean to celebrate significant personal milestones like this one by entering them as annual events in my Calendar. After all, journaling has been a key component in my growth as “a spiritual being on a human journey” (Pierre Teilhard de Chardin).
I think of these events as private holidays, i.e. I celebrate them only with myself (although my wife knows about them). Unlike public holidays, I don’t take the day off, or send myself flowers. But I do take the time to thank God and celebrate the milestone.
Because personal accomplishments matter. They remind us that, while our lives are, as the saying goes, “a work in progress,” there has been progress. Most of our days, weeks, and months are, to pilfer another idiom, “three steps forward, two steps back.” Personal milestone celebrations can encourage us by reminding us that at least it’s not the reverse! Or if it is, they can remind us that it hasn’t always been so, and encourage us to empty the trash and reboot!
So, keep it in balance, but if there have been personal milestones in your life—and you know there have—I want to encourage you to schedule a few such annual events. And then take a moment when each comes up to…
Celebrate yourself!
I’ve been journaling for 30-plus years. It’s an eye opener to go back and read old entries from time to time.
That’s an achievement!! Lovely 💝
Thank you, Celina. Your turn! ;>)
You’re most welcome 🙏
I wish I had started journaling earlier because now I have to rely on my aging brain to keep the memories of milestones alive. And my husband. His memory is much better. There were, of course, nearly 50 years of pre-husband memories, from which I learn continually what not to do. We celebrate many things together that some people find odd … first meeting, first date, my joining the body of Christ. I still wish my journaling had been more consistent over the years. Thanks once again, Mitch, for sharing your wisdom.❤️✝️🙏
My privilege, Gail. And thanks for sharing a bit of you experience here.
Happy journaly-versary! It’s very important to remember and celebrate these things. And I am sure your journaling practice is a major reason for that growth you have seen in that bearded young man.
Thanks, Russell!
Celebrate the milestone and thank God for getting you there. GREAT. Love the pictures! Apparently the beard has stayed with you!
Oh, the beard has come and gone many times over the years.
Three steps forward, two steps back is just a cha-cha, isn’t it? Send yourself those flowers!
;>)
Congratulations, Mitch. Journaling sure connects us to our thoughts, feelings, and aspirations… and reminds us how far we have come and how far we have to go.
Exactly, Mark.
This is such a readable post. Thanks for giving us your insights on Journaling and life
Thank you, Anne.
Happy Journal-versary! It’s important to celebrate those personal milestones. I remind myself of that, to be proud of myself for accomplishing something (big or small). Congrats!
Thank you, Jeni!
i really like the idea of personal holidays! What a great way to remember the successes and milestones. I think it would help me focus on what i want to accomplish and feel like I can do it. Im definitely going to do something for myself on those holidays, maybe even just a diet coke float or iced coffee toast to acknowledge that hey, i did this. Also congratulations on the blogging, yours is one I consider a favorite 👍🏻
Aw, Thank you, Martha.
Happy Journalversary! It is good to see where we’ve been and where we are.
Indeed it is.
Congratulations on your Journalversary, Mitch… “empty the trash and reboot.” I love that imagery, one to chew on and live by. 👍🏻
Thanks, Dori!
Congrats Mitch!! Blessings!
Thanks, Vincent!
Congratulations! I try to celebrate each and every accomplishment with treats as much as possible!
;>)
Because of HIM,…Mitch, I love this. I enjoy seeing you THEN and NOW. You’re a blessing to all of us! “Empty trash and reboot….keep it in balance…celebrate yourself!” All great things, dear friend. Journaling has been an integral part of my life, too. Many blessings, dear friend! 🤍
I know, and it shows, Karla. Blessings to you, dear friend!
🥰
NICE POST 💛❤️🧡
BLESSED AND HAPPY AFTERNOON 🌞 FROM 🇪🇸
Thanks, you too, PK.
Good write up Mitch.
Thanks for the encouragement.
My pleasure, Cora.
Lovely write up.
I love this uplifting thought, “Personal milestone celebrations can encourage us by reminding us that at least it’s not the reverse! Or if it is, they can remind us that it hasn’t always been so, and encourage us to empty the trash and reboot!”
Best wishes, Mitch.
Thank you, Chaya, you too!
Good reminder, brother! I need to start celebrating too…
We have a few things to say to each of our selves, and much to be thankful for!
Blessings,
Anne A
So true, Anne.
Congratulations, Mitch! And thanks for the reminder to celebrate the good in ourselves and our lives too…
Thanks, Ann!