random thoughts…from steven

I first started keeping a diary while I was in university in Vancouver. I guess it largely came about as a result of being in a brand new country with no close friends. So since I’m the “talkative” type and often need an outlet to express my thoughts and feelings, writing it down just made sense. I’m glad I embarked on that because it’s amazing to see how things turn out later. Now when I go back and read snippets here and there from those years in university, so many memories come rushing back into my head. It’s a wonderful feeling and you find yourself smiling since you now know the consequences of certain things that were done.

Sometimes you look back and realize just what a fool you were and sometimes you look back and see how all the signs were pointing you one way and yet for some reason, you just kept going the other way. And sometimes, or for me, most times, it just showed how immature I was. It’s true what they say about age giving you wisdom, it’s so true. But I guess you have to be older to see the wisdom of that and that’s why the young will never believe it.

These days though I have to admit that the entries into my diary are far less frequent. There is less youthful anguish to share since most of the days are filled with very practical chores. And it’s easy to get “distracted” by all the things around us, so much so that you neglect taking the time out to just reflect on what’s happening in your life.

But I am inspired to keep my diary going and that’s partly due to one man. My father in law. He turns 94 this year and he keeps a diary. We’d go out for dinner at a restaurant and upon returning home, he would pen it all down. What we did, what we ate, where we went. I think this diary has helped him keep his mind sharp and it helps fill the pockets of forgetfulness that becomes more frequent with age. At 94, his mind is still as clear as ever. That is not by chance, that is because he makes it a point to use it each and every day.

Such discipline is something many of us in the younger generation lack. The discipline to adhere to certain principles and values. I know I have guilty many a time of slipping by the wayside and allowed things to happen even though they went against my principles. But that’s another story for another time.

So back to why I like keeping a diary. Well, just look at our lives today. I mean, really…just think about it for a moment. Isn’t there a whole bunch of stuff you would like to “remember” in your old age? Aren’t there experiences you’d like to share with your grandchildren? Aren’t there moments in your life where you have doubt in what you are about to do next? Isn’t it great to be able to look back and see how things turned out?

There are so many things we do in our daily lives and there are so many experiences and memories that we form. It would be a waste if they were all just forgotten with time.

So on that note, I’m going to keep my diary going and I hope you do too. Plus, someone gave me a new idea recently. Write a letter to your child. I think it’s a great idea and I’m going to write a letter to Lucy every year and maybe, just maybe I’ll share them with her one day.