We begin 2023 with another quote provided by Dr Tanya at Salted Caramel. I quite like this one.

In my case yesterday was the first blank page of a 365 page book quite literally because I was given a five year journal for Christmas. I think that this quote is really about new beginnings and making resolutions. I generally don’t make New Year Resolutions. It puts a lot of pressure on me that I don’t really want. Of course for many people the first day of a new year is a good time to resolve to give something up, start a new plan, or just decide to live their lives in a better way. You can decide to do that at any time of course but somehow a new year, month or even a new week always seems a good place to start.

Now, let me tell you about my journal. It has three or four lines for each day for the next five years. That will present me with some challenges. Firstly I have to remember to do it. I may keep it beside my bed and do it before going to sleep.

Secondly, keeping it up. I’ve had diaries and travel journals in the past. I can usually document every day or most days of a holiday because I like to record what I see and do. I wasn’t so good with everyday diaries because not every day is interesting.

Thirdly, will I have something worthwhile to say every day? Last night, the first night I wrote about death. Rather a gloomy way to begin but brought on by a farewell post from a doll blogger who is receiving end of life care at a hospice and by the realisation that many of our friends are now in their seventies and eighties and not in the best of health. But what will I write today? That the weather was hot enough for us to need the air conditioner? That I did my laundry? What will be meaningful when I read this again in the future?

Last of all the three or four line limit will be a challenge for me. I’m the sort of person who writes half a page just in reply to a comment.

So, in terms of journalling I don’t know if I can write a good one. But I didn’t know if I’d be successful as a blogger when I started either. I just decided to give it my best shot. Only time will tell if that’s good enough.