As I’ve mentioned previously, I do not like the idea of keeping a journal. I do not like the word “journal” used as a verb, as in “journaling.” It’s ironic, because that’s pretty much what a blog is: an online journal. But the idea of recording my secret thoughts in a notebook as I lie in bed is just very, very unappealing to me, despite the fact that I definitely did it - oh, I definitely did it, and may have to break out some examples and share them depending on how desperate I get during this pandemic - when I was a teenager.

But when I received an email from a mailing list I’m on at the outset of all of this with a “quarantine challenge,” suggesting we write answers to a series of prompts on a daily basis, I decided I should try it. I think we should be recording memories about this time as much as possible, something I’ve told my kids, possibly in an annoying tone, on a nightly basis (often multiple times). I decided I should follow my own advice, at least conducting this very simple journaling (hate it) exercise with an already-constucted-for-me “challenge.”

The idea? Every morning write down:

my #1 goal
three things I am grateful for
something I’m excited about
when I will check the news (as a means of not checking it…constantly)
things I will not do today

Then you’re supposed to write a bulleted list of the things you want to get done.

So I’ve been doing it. And not only has it shaped my day, but I think - if I keep it up at least - it’ll provide an interesting look back on this worrisome, weird, tragic and introspective time.

I thought I’d provide answers from a few of the prompts from the last several days here (see? I CANNOT for the life of me keep a journal private, as it should be) and will probably do a bit more sharing as I keep writing them.

March 22

grateful for: Justin, Maisie, the sun

excited about: starting to work on a book again, running, talking to friends tonight

March 23

grateful for: washing machine and dryer, bourbon, my mother

excited about: ordering more groceries

things I will not do today: be a slave to my phone, scream at anyone

March 24

#1 goal: draft of latest story

excited about: finding a place where I can order pasta

March 25

grateful for: running, my lung capacity, that it will keep getting warmer

I will check the news: all bets are off today

March 26

grateful for: coffee delivery, my bed

things I will not do today: rush

March 27

#1 goal: get outside and do yardwork

grateful for: celebrating my mom’s birthday online

excited about: being productive

things I will not do today: give up on my list