Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: 25oC, hottish, Sunny and slightly overcast.
This week is going well. All my weeks go well, but this one is particularly good because it is a short week.
I will only be working until Wednesday, teaching classes. I plan to continue working on my projects throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend. I am creating a stockpile of posts in advance rather than doing one each day on the day itself.
I plan to write 5 or 6 posts in advance for the future. I am also finishing transferring entries from my first diary last year into blog posts. Completing my first diary feels like a significant milestone. Additionally, having a stock of pre-prepared posts is very beneficial. It shows me that I am improving in the craft of blogging. While I still have much to learn, I am headed in the right direction.
My diary began on December 27, 2022. The first notebook I used was a leftover present from last Christmas. A little before Christmas, I went shopping in Copacabana. Almost at the corner of Rua Siqueira Campos and Rua Tonoleiras, directly in front of the metro station, I saw two young men with a stand selling beautiful diaries with handmade leather covers. You could also purchase just the core of the diary without the cover.
I bought various large diaries for my daughters, family, and friends because I thought they were the perfect Christmas present. They were also quite affordable. I also purchased some small miniature diaries, which featured printed covers of famous masterpieces by classic painters.
For example, one had “Irises” by Van Gogh, while another showcased “The Starry Night,” also by Van Gogh. There were additional masterpieces from Michelangelo and Picasso as well. All of them were beautifully made and very impressive.
One of the many diaries I bought was a leftover from Christmas. I decided to present myself, and this little mini-diary became my first journal at 56 years old. I remember having a diary briefly when I was around ten or younger, but it was nothing like what I am doing now.
Keeping a diary has been incredibly beneficial in so many ways. Over the past year, it has revolutionised my life. I never would have thought that such a simple act could have such a profound impact on it.
It allows you to eliminate negative aspects and empowers you to aim high and achieve your positive goals. It has a cleansing effect. Writing down what is negative can help you release those feelings while also emphasising what you want to achieve positively.
It is like a boost, helping you reach what you genuinely desire. In terms of mental health, beyond what I have mentioned, it helps shape you into a better, more-centred person.
It soothes you in the way your partner should soothe you, calming you as if you were in a relationship or marriage. It helps you feel comforted, especially since I am not currently dating. It has become my best companion—I trust and believe in it.
Keeping a diary and journaling daily has helped me become a better person, not just for myself but for others. Life is not only about us; the people around us make our lives more exciting and rewarding. Without these unique connections, we are nothing; we are nobody. Therefore, if we have something that can help us improve for the sake of others, it is precious and should be cherished.
This first little diary, which started my journaling journey, is almost entirely transferred to my blog. Everything will be complete in a week, and then I will move on to my second diary, a full-sized notebook. Since I began journaling at the end of December, I have been on my fourth diary in less than a year.
My entries are tending to become bigger, longer, and hopefully more enjoyable for both me and my readers. Eventually, these entries will also be transferred to my blog.
Journaling has helped me a lot. I have noticed that many people feel lost or find themselves in similar situations or need something positive to hear, listen to, or read. This is why I created the blog, and I sincerely hope it helps. We often feel alone or believe it is just us going through difficult situations, but that is not the case.
We are all navigating life one day at a time. Regardless of whether we are in a better or worse situation, we are all doing our best to figure things out. Recognising that you are not alone in feeling down, lost, or overwhelmed is essential. We all experience these feelings and need some form of support, comfort, or guidance. Sometimes, we need a metaphorical “stick” to lean on as we move forward.
“We are all Winging it!!!”
I hope it helps.
Today was just an ordinary day filled with classes and blogging.
In bed by 10.00 pm.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.
Richard
