What's Coming Up Next and Do you Keep a Journal?

I just finished taking a ride down memory lane. I re-read all the original posts captured here - both the published ones and those still in draft format. It's hard to accept that time is so fleeting, evidenced by this blog.

I started writing here over a decade ago. As you can see, my content was sporadic. I struggled with my intent for posting personal insights and gave up many times. Today, I was glad I still had them to look back on.

I'm not sure exactly when I did this (maybe within the last 2 years), but I destroyed all my handwritten journals. Why? Because they were like open wounds. I was embarrassed by the thought of someone reading them and judging me - especially, my grown children or grandchildren.

As I am reading Matthew McConaughey's memoir, Greenlights, I regret my decision. I see their value now. They would have made a wonderful resource for some of the material I am writing today. As my past slips farther away from my present, I am finding it difficult to recapture some of the feelings and timing of certain events. I was blind. I could not appreciate their potential value as an emotional measure of my life.

I will not let this deter me from sharing a part of myself with others. And, I am unlikely to counsel anyone to discard their journals in the future.

Going forward, I intend to revise and publish some of the posts that have been waiting for my attention for so long. It will be interesting to see when they were started and whether my views have evolved.

Let's enjoy the ride together.

Fringe Science: How It Influenced My Thinking About Truth

Since I was a young child, I've always had an interest in fringe science. The skeptics out there, of course, would deny that this is any type of science at all, or may refer to some theories as pseudoscience. My come back has always been, and still is, ... we don't know what we don't know and there is lots that we don't know.

The problem for the lay person, like myself, lies in the questions, "Who to believe?" and "Fact or Fiction?".

Back in my twenties, I read an interesting book about Area 51. I may not be able to say to you with any conviction that aliens exist but I can tell you how you can use the dissemination of misinformation to discredit an idea. It's a form of propaganda. You simply mix truth with lies. The manner in which you weave your story together must be convincing so that people cannot discern fact from fiction. At least, not on the surface. The technique is used often - just look at all the conspiracy theories out there.

Determining truth is not always easy. It helps not to be gullible - meaning, don't believe something just because a lot of people are spreading it as fact. It is my policy not to accept or dismiss ideas based strictly on their popularity. I weigh out how an idea fits into my views and do my own homework should it be necessary.

Today, I don't see truth as black or white - unlike facts. That being said, even facts may vary from individual to individual based on a personal perception of them. But, I find that truth is more personal. Your acceptance of something as fact, is often coloured by your current beliefs.

Contrast Brings Me Clarity

Last night was my monthly book club meeting. An event I always look forward to whether I have enjoyed the selected book or not. It is my opportunity to socialize, express my thoughts, and listen to what others have to say. (Notice the order of priority here LOL).

I truly appreciate this specific group of ladies. They are both insightful and accepting. Qualities I cherish. Our conversations are always interesting. I especially enjoy moments when we express different points of view on the same subject matter. These are the conversations that I reflect on in days to come. Typically, they are the ones that teach me something - either about myself or the world we live in.

To me, these are moments of valued connection. The insightfulness of this group helps to bring clarity to the way I perceive the world around me.

Fitting It All In

Since I retired, I have resisted being organized and living my life according to a list. I compare my behaviour to those people who refuse to wear a watch - often resulting in them giving up being on time too. I am rethinking whether this strategy is beneficial to me.

Yes, it did initially seem to provide a more relaxing lifestyle; however, I am finding that, even during COVID, 24-hours is insufficient time to fit everything I want into my day.

At first it didn't seem important. If I didn't get something done today, I would get it done tomorrow. I am discovering that this approach to my day results in certain loved activities to fall way behind. You might have noticed that writing this blog seems to get missed way too often.

Don't mistaken this omission to mean that I am not writing. In fact, I am writing a lot. Just not here.

Once again, I am going to make an effort to add my thoughts to this record of my personal journey at least once a week. 

Let's see if list making will help. 😀