Blogging vs. Journaling

I'm not sure what it is about writing a journal that makes the idea equally repellent and intriguing at the same time. This, blogging, makes sense to me. It is writing about my days, activities and interests in an appropriate format where others can share in them, even if they weren't with me. But writing in a journal? What I would write in there is only the things that no one needs to read, hear or know. It would be a record of all the ridiculous, mean, dumb, cynical, and sometimes irrationally exciting thoughts I might have throughout the day. These are the things that if I spoke out loud, I'd be incredibly embarrassed. These are not the kinds of things I want to record at the risk of dying and having someone find them.

On the other hand, if this post is any indication, I am a very self-centered human and love to pretend to be introspective. So wouldn't a journal be a nice indulgence?

The truth is I have tried to start a journal somewhere approaching one million times. I simply end up forgetting to continue it. I have an amazingly bad memory and that is the reason why I want to keep THIS journal regular. I have to remember my answered prayers. I have to keep record of how my God has blessed me. I can never, ever forget the incredible gifts I have received. If I forget the amazing things I have learned or experienced, it is as if they never happened. So I pledge to write honestly in this journal, but focusing on my family and friends. Focusing on my prayers, wishes, and hopes for them and myself and not focusing on the wrong.  If I change the way I write, maybe I can change the way I think. And if I record less wrong, it's as if that never happened too, right?

9. Start, and maintain, a semi-regular journal.