Journaling 2.0

A new doorway beyond the tyranny of "should"

“I should journal” sits high on the long list of shoulds, right alongside food and fitness. But we don’t do shoulds here. Instead, this is an invitation — a journaling road trip — not to stoke the obligation to chop more wood, but to consider whether a small spark might kindle something meaningful in life’s second half.

1984. Not just the title of Orwell’s classic novel or Van Halen’s iconic album — it was also, in many ways, my beginning. Life had thrown some recent curve balls, and the Mayberry I thought I knew turned out to be a fictional sitcom. My first ever journal entry - “Well here goes...” was penned on September 2nd of that year during my first week of college. Initially, it was just a brief record of events. Over time, I began to notice something: I was using journaling to process a whole bunch of stuff that didn’t make sense in the moment. It became the place where confusion garnered (at least a little) clarity.

Fast forward to the early 1990’s. Journals begin to paint the picture of the woman would would forever change my life. I’m head over heels. She’s not...quite...sure. The capturing of fun moments... continued processing of a range of feelings... and key dates our kids would later ask about (1st date, 1st kiss, who said “I love you” first ;-)).

From 1993-2000 I apparently went undercover (two journals over 8 years vs. prior annual rhythm). Newly married, working two jobs, the birth of our three amazing kids; I simply didn’t automate the process into life’s quick-paced rhythm. However, though limited, the processing of struggles, concerns and crossroads continued. Additionally, something else began to surface: Dreams! (business and life), an addition that’s continued into the present.

Last week I started my 26th journal, covering - on and off - the past 42 years. Reading back through a few provided memories of life’s storms (and rainbows), while highlighting the faith, family and friends who accompanied the journey. It also reminded me I continue to struggle with many of the same anchors at age 59 as I did in my teens and twenties. And… the processing of this life’s crazy journey continued as well.

Whether or not we choose to journal, one of the greatest risks in life’s second half is slipping into an unexamined existence. We’ve accumulated experience, preferences and patterns that work well enough, and that very familiarity can quietly place life on autopilot. Reflection? Who needs it. But without it, we remain at surface level; rinse and repeat, day after day.

Socrates famously noted “The unexamined life is not worth living.” I’d suggest what he really meant was “the unexamined life isn’t the fully lived life!” Living on autopilot isn’t really living - it’s box-checking. Leslie Lamport reminded us “if you’re thinking without writing, you just think you’re thinking.” Writing doesn’t solve life’s problems, but it helps creates clarity and a space where better questions emerge. Yes - there are other valuable tools and resources available (a coach, therapist, mentor, close friend). However, it’s certainly a powerful low-hanging fruit available to all of us who are not done yet!

Journaling 2.0

But you’ve tried journaling. It didn’t work. It’s just not you. You journal for a few days and then it fades away. Why try again now? Well, because maybe it’s not your shortcoming but rather the ridiculous “journaling rules” you’ve been sold over the years. You know - things like write everyday or write 1 page/day or whatever restrictions turned this beautiful opportunity into an obligation. Journaling 2.0 is altogether different from the fake version you may have tried in the past. There is no outcome to chase. Instead, it’s a path providing energy, clarity and a perhaps even deeper sense of joy. Let’s take a closer look...

Journaling 2.0 “Rules”

1. Sit in a quiet spot with pen in hand and journal open to empty page

2. Write the date

3. Then sit quietly with no distractions (phone out of reach) for 5+ minutes

That’s it. Success! You did it. I don’t care if you leave your quiet spot having written nothing but the date. Frankly, it doesn’t matter if you go days - or weeks! - with date after date on the page. You’ve engaged in the most important aspect - quiet reflection. Sure - most likely you’ll find yourself writing a few things. Maybe initially it’s a once/week recall of weekly highlights and struggles... then some thoughts about those experiences begin to bubble up... which may lead so some personal insights about next steps. Over time, maybe you begin to supplement your time reading a few lines from Tillich, Kierkegaard, Aurelius, scripture or other options and jot down a line or two.

Or maybe you don’t. This isn’t a new task - it’s a new doorway, a doorway available to all of us. A doorway that leads us to possibilities, ideas, or even closure. 5 minutes... pen in hand... write the date. You are now journaling - regardless of where it leads.

The best time to plant a tree is long past. What remains is something quieter, more important: noticing what’s grown, what may be leaning, and where the light is needed most.

Five minutes. Pen in hand. We’re not done yet.

PS - Dr. Cooper has launched a new project - The Catalyst Lab: Tiny Sparks. Enduring Insights. It provides 4 brief highlights (Explore, Discover, Leverage and Reflect) in a 60 second read. You can access the initial version here and subscribe free of charge if you find it to be of value. Thank you for your encouraging support. We hope it makes a difference for someone.