More than Words

As you know, I have been writing in my journals since 2004 after a young English major from St. Ben's University, named Katie Silus, introduced them to me on a plane from Denver to Minneapolis. We exchanged addresses before disembarking and two weeks later, I received a small Moleskine journal and a salsa recipe in the mail from Katie. She changed my life. I am in Journal #23. I number each page in my journal and invite people to play the "journal game" by choosing a number. I turn to that page, read what is written, and a conversation often begins. It's really a connector. 

But more importantly, I have followed Katie Silus's advice on keeping a journal. She said I could write thoughts, quotes, things others say, things I observe, draw pictures, press flowers...and I have done all of that. My journals are filled mostly with quotes. When I die and one reads my journals, they will know who I am by the quotes I have chosen. The quotes reflect what kind of life I hope to live, what I value, and reflect the virtues I strive for. I always keep my journal with me in case I need to record something meaningful...and there are so many meaningful things to remember in life if we stay alert to them.

Thanks for listening.