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Baby boomers have invented a lot of things. We don?t know if the process of ?journaling? is among them. But with the fast pace of life, and the certainty that virtually everything we?ve ever written might now be saved for eternity, we thought it wise to convey some advice from Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Sandee Scott, author of Bloomin? Boomers: Pop Culture Legacy of the Vanguard Baby Boomers, and a keeper of personal journals herself. What she wants to know is, are your journals forthright or fudged?
In 1979 I wrote this in my journal about the end of my first marriage:
?He asked if I had doubts about us ?making it? in the future. ? the answer was ?Yes, I have big doubts.? He told me to decide whether I wanted to be married or not and to make up my mind today. All morning I thought and didn?t think. ? I realized I was waiting for some outside force to intervene and decide for me. God forgive me, but how many times have I pictured him dead??
As we reflect on our lives these days, many of us take up journaling or memoir writing. As a psychotherapist I frequently recommend journaling to clients as an effective tool for exploring feelings and gaining insights.
Sandee at a lighter moment.
If we?re writing for catharsis, we can write, write, write, then rip it to shreds. But if we save our journals and are first to die, could our survivors be hurt by the words we leave behind? It might sting a bit to read your spouse?s or parents? words, ?Why on earth did I ever marry her/him?? or ?Wished I?d stopped with child number two,? (and you?re child number three!).
Do we write with honesty and forthrightness? Or do we watch our words, dilute our emotions, and fudge on the truth?
In the front of my journal, I?ve attached a note recommending it be kept for future generations. That may seem egocentric, but I want them to know me. I would like to know more about my own parents and grandparents. I have questions now that didn?t occur to me when I was young and involved with career and family; it saddens me that they aren?t here anymore to ask.
My aunt typed and organized my mother?s letters, like a journal, describing her World War II experiences as an Army nurse. To my dismay, Mother threw them out just before she died, and there are no backup copies. I think she was embarrassed about marrying the handsome Army captain in October, 1945, and giving birth to her first child (me) in June, all chronicled in her letters.
What are you doing with your journals? I?m adding another note inside mine:
?I?ve sometimes felt ambivalent about what to include here. I hope my words are not hurtful to you. My intention is to be authentic in hopes you will better know me.?
And no, I did not murder my first husband!
Sandra Lee (Sandee) Scott is author of Bloomin? Boomers: Pop Culture Legacy of the Vanguard Baby Boomers. Online: www.bloominboomers.com
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Category: Baby Boomers, Sandra Lee Scott
Source: http://www.boomercafe.com/2012/09/25/baby-boomers-and-the-keeping-of-personal-journals/
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