I’m adding a writing journal today because I realized that I’m not writing much. I’m not reading much either. That said, I have been reading a few books and learning some new things.
However, the reason I’m writing this is that, if you have read or noticed, I’m also writing a Diet Journal on another page here on the website. I noticed something today in a conversation I was having with my wife over Skype. She is also on the same diet, but not journaling or weighing every day. This will relate to writing momentarily. She seems to get discouraged by any weight-gain, in spite of previous losses that prove the gain will ultimately be mitigated if she maintains the program that caused the previous loss. To me, that seems all-to clear.
It’s not clear to her though. I was explaining to her why I am doing it the way I am. That’s when I found my own motivations within my replies to her. I wasn’t even really aware of the truth in my motivation until our conversation. What I had stumbled on, within the past hour now, is that I’ve connected my motivation to my daily status. I weigh-in, I create a new post and I do the math. I’m a pretty analytical guy so when I see the numbers on the screen that shows my progress or lack there of, I’m either a little bit proud or a lot disappointed in myself. Either way, I’m finding that the more often I do that, the more likely I am to refrain from eating or drinking things that negatively impact my progress. It’s not perfect, it doesn’t have to be, but it is having a positive effect on me. For one thing, I’m writing about it. Writing is writing. I’m having to use my mind to express myself, especially since I’m also journaling my experiences along with the numbers.
That’s why I’m starting this Journal today. I haven’t figured out the metrics for it yet, but until I do, I intend to be making a daily post about my writing progress. Once I have the metrics I’ll use, I can post the numbers, which will please my brain. I know so far that I respond to guilt when I’ve failed to journal, so that should help me stay on track. Much the way the diet journal helps me track what foods or drinks are impactful on my weight, this writing journal will allow me to analyze my processes.
I’m learning that journaling my experiences is cathartic. I guess I should have known that, but I didn’t, and I surely didn’t expect to experience catharsis from writing about my weight-loss attempt.
So if you haven’t tried journaling, I recommend that you do. I’m going to keep the diet journal going as well as this one. I’ve thought about it while writing this one and I will probably add one or two more journals about other subjects. I have multiple websites and multiple interests including I’ve decided to learn bookbinding. I want to create blank tome’s to sell, big ones, little ones, grimoires, journals, recipe books and anything that can be put on paper. I’ll be posting information about that later when I decide if I’m a good enough bookbinder to sell my wares. I’ll most likely sell them at one or more of my sites, Amazon, Shopify and at nearby Renaissance fairs and festivals.
I think journaling is a great way to focus, and to track progress, and to be accountable to the only one that matters, yourself.
Until tomorrow,
Have great day,
Tommy Balassa.