This is something that I do only by fits and starts. When I
find something I have written down, I always glad because it
helps me to put events in order. I keep an appointment book
and don't discard them but it doesn't help with observations.

When I was in school, I only lacked 3 hours having a minor
in English and my creative writing teacher urged me to keep
a journal every day. My particular field was interesting but
so draining that I wanted to switch it off when I got home.

Later, the year that I worked at the shelter for battered
woman, I had more material than I could deal with. It was
far and away the most absorbing and interesting job that I
have ever had. Again, I failed to write anything.

One thing that always held me back was putting intimate
details down for all to see. Would my children really want
to read about Mom's private life? Would I really want to
reveal it all?

A good journal keeper would have enough material for a
lot of books, especially if they made work related notations. I am very sorry I didn't do that. I would
certainly advise the youngsters among us to keep a detailed
journal.