Carolyn and I were married 15 years ago, in May 1992. Wow. I’m more in love with her today than ever. I truly married and still enjoy the companionship of my best friend. Our home is one of playfulness, laughter and endless surprise. We’re deeply imperfect, blessed people.
The first few months of our marriage [...]
Blogging for personal growth
Posted By Jeff on September 18th, 2007
I think I’ve journaled in one way or another since junior high. It’s a good thing. I forget so much these days that it’s good to know I have a written record of my life so that I can remember that I’m as much a goob now as I was when I was 14.
I remember a particular youth group retreat with my church in which the speaker urged us to practice spiritual disciplines, including prayer, Bible study, journaling, meditation, scripture memory, and giving. For some reason, I took him seriously and as a result, I have boxes of journals and notebooks.
When I began blogging in 2005, I saw it first as a novelty and a way to perhaps communicate in a creative way with folks who know me. I never dreamed I would encounter so much personal growth from the discipline of regular writing.
Growth has come in several ways:
- Wisdom to write strategically (believe it or not, most of my posts are well-considered before I post them).
- Discipline and discernment to think before I type when I respond to commenters who are “ornery.” ;)
- Grace to admit an erroneous opinion or flawed observation when it’s pointed out to me.
- Perspective to realize that I don’t need to be offended too deeply or be too bothered by stuff going on in the blog world.
- Patience to write about sensitive issues only after I’ve spent a lot of time considering pros and cons, attempting to see all angles before voicing a strong opinion.
- My research skills have greatly improved. I know better what sources to turn to that are dependable and which are not.
- Insight… it’s amazing how much I learn about myself and those who comment on particular blog entries.
I think there’s a lot to be said for consistent, disciplined writing – whether on a blog or in a journal (I do both). The sheer effort and willpower that it requires to record your thoughts in a cohesive way is a great mental exercise.
On this day...
- StrengthsFinder Results - 2009
- What's your drink of choice? - 2007
- The state of the world - 2007
- New wheels, new game - 2006
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The Squirrel
September 18th, 2007 at 1:32 pm
Where were you with this article a month ago?LOL
I have been blogging for quite awhile and I dont know whether it was due to the emotional circumstances surrounding my life at the time or the- thus-far lack of dissenting comments that caused my online nervous breakdown.But Looking back I do know what I would have done or said differently,but I also know that I cannot change what has already occured,or dont have the knowledge to make it right,now.I just hope that my fellow bloggers know that I am just as much of a screwup as the next guy and forgive me and maybe even take me with a grain of salt some too!
This is a great post!!!!