Thoughts on journal writing

When we went to Sequim WA for our anniversary  we stayed at a really charming place called "The Loft".  They advertise the place as an "up scale romantic get away".  It was a great place and everything was perfect.  I loved the heated bathroom floor and it had an outdoor heater over the deck so you can stay outside and watch the stars at night without getting cold.  I think Mike's favorite was the hot tub.  It was nice to soak in after the long day hike at Olympic National Park

A view from the deck 

My favorite thing was actually a guest book.  I found it on the table and decide to see what other people said about the place.  Pretty soon I was totally sucked into the stories of people I had never met and never will.  A man wrote about his trip here to celebrate his 70th birthday.  A woman wrote about her trip with her boyfriend and before the end of their trip he proposed.  Another woman wrote that they were here for their mini honeymoon. A lot of people wrote about their adventures in the area.  It was like reading someone's journal. These people were from all over the country and all had a different story to tell.  I felt connected to these people because they shared their stories in the guest book.  I love reading stories from real people.  I love their struggles, happiness, and experiences.

I was never a good journal writer.  I tried to keep a journal few times in my life, but I never could keep at it.  I don't think I am a bad writer.  After all when I was in high school and even after that I wrote  love letters for my friends. (I don't remember if I charged them for it or not).  So why, when it comes to journal writing, I have nothing to write? I think it started when I was in elementary school.  During the summer break we were required to keep a journal as part of our homework.  I remember writing a months worth of journal in a few days before school started.  of course I didn't remember what I did all summer long so I ended up making up a whole bunch of things.  It wasn't fun and I associated writing a journal with homework and chores.

The biggest reason that I don't write is that I safeguard my thoughts and emotions.  Since that is what makes a journal interesting and I am not ready to share that with anyone who might read them, it makes it hard to write.  I mean I can write meaningless things like what we had for dinner, about the weather, and such things, but is that what I really need to leave behind?  

I need to look at journaling from a different angle. It doesn't have to start with "Dear diary" on the top of a note book page.  I just need to discover what kind of writing works for me.  Wish me a luck since I haven't found one yet.

Wait a minute... writing a blog is a form of journal right?