Journal Writing

I recently watched Ken Burns’ PBS production, “Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery,” which documents the United States' first exploration of the West and President Jefferson’s attempt to find the fabled Northwest Passage.

Through the journals of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and other members of the expedition, we are able to experience, first-hand, one of the most enduring adventures in the creation of The United States of America. These first-hand accounts give us an authenticated account of the adventures, that without which, the story would be relegated to the realm of myth.

I was particularly impressed by this entry from Lewis’s journal from August 18, 1805.

“This day I completed my 31^st year. I conceived that I had, in all human probability, now existed about half the period which I am to remain in this world. I reflected that I had, as yet, done but little, very little, indeed, to further the happiness of the human race or to advance the information of the succeeding generation.”

Meriwether Lewis had just become the first American to stand at the continental divide, he had just completed negotiations for the horses his men were going to need to get through the mountains and succeed on their expedition…and as he sat down on the night of his 31^st birthday, he began to question whether he had done enough.

“I viewed with regret, the many hours I have spent in indolence, and now sorely feel the want of that information which those hours would have given me had they been judiciously expended. But, since they are passed, and cannot be recalled, I dash from me the gloomy thought and resolve to redouble my exertions, or in future, to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself.”

Without the written journal, we would not have the occasion to peer into his soul and feel his introspection, over two-hundred years later.

During the 1800’s, many of my ancestors wrote journals. These writings are a source of inspiration and comfort. They help me know my roots. By reading these journals, I learn where they came from; where they were born, their travels, and their thoughts and experiences. There stories are my stories.

I first started my experience with Journal Writing on the first day of my eighteenth year. I admit that there are large gaps when I failed to write every day, but reading gives me the chance to reflect, remember, and track the course of my life.

What are some reasons for journal writing? For some, a journal is a friend. Professionals use journals for documentation, record keeping, and progress recording. They can be used for spiritual reasons including love, fear, and faith. Journals are used for identifying and tracking goals, self reflection and exploration, or recording dreams and successes. Other reasons for journal writing are capturing thoughts and creative writing practice . For me, one of the most compelling objectives is to leave a legacy for posterity. I am grateful for the journals of my ancestors, and I would like my children and their children to know what I believe and what is important to me.