Personal diaries

I started my ' 170 month blog ' last year when I read that my likely remaining years ( 14 ) translated into 170 months! This sounded much worse ( less ) than 14 years and it made me think how short a time! Obviously, I realise it could be shorter, who knows. I decided to set some goals, and keep a journal. Don't manage it every day, but I'm keeping at it.

That's good grannybuy -bet you've got longer than 170 months though. Now, you people who want to but can't get started - just get on with it! When I was doing my thesis I had to keep a 'reflective' diary re my research. No choice. I found that once I started it was fine. A good way to summarise that days work and what I thought about it. Also, we had a vg thesis writing coach who dinned it into us 'if you've not got anything written down what have you got? Nothing!' That certainly energised me. I know its not the same as a personal diary but it really made me get on with it. You have nothing to fear from the blank page in front of you -start writing on it today! Sermon over !

I still have my Mums diaries. She was born in 1929 and wrote one every day from the early 1940's until 1952 when I was born. Obviously too busy then :-)

I kept mine for about 10 years but threw them out as they were filled things about my very unhappy marriage to my first husband. I hadn't thought about starting again but this thread has made me think, shall I? I have two grown up sons and two stepdaughters and grandchildren all of who tell me all their troubles so although they would need to be private, I may start doing them again.

Ive got what i call my memory reminders,when my husband passed away i was depressed and i read somewhere it helps to write your thoughts and feelings down so i started with my childhood and so for the past 6 years ive wrote important events with my children and grandchildren ive wrote 3 exercise books so far. My family dont no and i dont no if i want to keep them to myself .

I'm going to start doing that Brown. When I was in an unhappy marriage many years ago I used to type weekly letters to a friend and really did find that writing everything down helped me. I'm sure it didn't help her, she was probably quite depressed after reading them actually. My husband now (second husband) has advanced Alzheimer's and has been in a home for 8 years and I make notes on bits of paper about him then lose them so it's a great idea. My family won't know either. There always seems to be some sort problem with my son and dil or my granddaughter, my stepdaughter is expecting twins and I'm going with her to the scans etc so I think it's a really good idea. Better buy a very thick notebook! :-)