While reading On Keeping a Journal by Roy Hoffman I didn’t necessarily understand where he was heading with his point, but as I kept reading I completely understood what he was getting at and agreed with what he was saying 100 percent. In this story Roy talks about how he keeps some kind of notepad and writing utensil with him at all times to capture the wonderful things that happen in life. He describes why keeping a journal can help a person with not only their writing skills, but it can also help figure themselves out and not to mention in the future it’s amusing to read. I can really relate to this story, which is why I chose to write about it. Writing about anything and everything has really helped in many aspects of my life and it can help everyone else too.
There are plenty of books that have been published that were just merely someone’s personal journal, but now the whole world can escape into that person’s private life. Writing journals are a great way to express your feelings so that you and only you can read them. In On Keeping a Journal Roy talks about how if you think about people reading your journal you won’t write with pure honesty. This is one of his points I really agree with. If you think your mom or best friend is going to read what you write you won’t want to write what you really think. When I write I just let my mind flow and let everything out without thinking someone might read it. That’s exactly what Roy was getting at in his story. You can’t dwell on the fact that one day someone could possibly find your journal and read it. You should just write exactly what you want whenever you want to.
Roy also talks about how writing journals can help in your future. In his story he states, “Keeping notebooks and journals is rather like burying time capsules into one’s own life” (15). If you write journals when your young who knows what you’ll find when you unveil them. You’re not only going to read them to get humor, but you will also get to relive all of your enjoyable, unpleasant, and in between moments. You can cry, laugh, and be angry through all those moments again. I am excited to read, in the future, what I had to say in my youthful years. Roy’s story really opened my eyes to writing and why it’s so important. Writing a journal has really benefited me and can definitely benefit anyone. You never know it may even get published as an actual book and help someone who needs it just like many published journals I have read has done for me.
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I totally agree that if you know someone is going to read your own journal then you woulsn't be purely honest. I definately wouldn't be depending on the topic I was witing about.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how you brought in the quote about the time capsule. It will be cool to look back and see what experiences you had that you may have forgotten. Not that I will ever write a journal; I barely write enough to get through this class. I will just use pictures. Its worth a thousand words so...you do the math.
ReplyDeleteI also really like the quote about the time capsule.
ReplyDeleteI think this is an interesting idea, except I don't think I could ever make it a priority to grab paper and a writing utensil before leaving the house everday. Sounds a bit like a burden to me. However, I totally agree with what you said about not wanting anyone else to see what you have written. Journals are a good way of keeping to yourself and providing moments of reflection in the future.
I have never really kept a journal just becasue maybe i am lazy? My hand starts to cramp and yeah all kinds of terrible things, but I liked the way you brought the topic in and how this is really important to some people and it truly helps. I may have to try some day and get all my feelings out!
ReplyDeleteWhile I don't currently have a journal, I did have quite a few when I was younger. At the time I was just doing it because I would get bored, but now that I am older, I go back and read them! It is just like a "time capsule", and it's really funny to read things that I would have forgotten forever if I didn't keep a journal. Journals can be cool, but personally, I just don't have the time for one anymore!
ReplyDeleteI am a journalist myself off and on and must say that I find it quite enjoyable. It can truly help you vent your emotions in a healthy way. Also, looking back over old journals can help you remember days past but also really show your personal life journey and how you mature over the years.
ReplyDeleteGang--a journal doesn't have to be paper and pencil. You can probably put notes on your cell phone, or your status messages on facebook might even form a kind of journal. Sure, you can do it more formally, but if you want to create a "time capsule," there are all kinds of ways to do it!
ReplyDeleteNice piece.