First post ever...

I gotta admit that I think these things (blogs that is) are pretty pointless and amount to little more than prose auto-erotica... but that basically really means that it should apply to a self-centered individual like me.

And to a certain extent, I do miss the cathartic process of writing on a regular or semi-regular basis in a journal. I really got out of that habit while I was in Iceland... it started there and ended there. Originally planned as a way of recording the trip, as I got to know more people, I had less and less time to write. Perhaps my father knew that when he recommended it in the first place, having experienced the loneliness of being a foreign student in a distant land himself first-hand. I have to admit that it helped on many occasions when I felt alone and depressed. Like having someone to talk to, regardless of whether they answer - or perhaps most enjoyable precisely because the book cannot respond. It cannot argue and therefore seems to tacitly support your (my) viewpoint and interpretation of events.

I don't think that statement is entirely true, though. I think, if I'm (and lets keep this on a subjective, personal basis... I'm not here to preach or counsel) honest with myself, I will play devil's advocate for myself. In this lies the aspect of journal-writing that I miss the most. The reflection and examination of my self and my life. The chance to step back and analyze events and trends from a neutral position. I won't say objective, as I know that I'm often far from that in my journal. I think it's just that I'm not as concerned about outcomes and such when I'm writing a journal. I'm detached, likely because I do (did) my journal writing in the evening or the middle of the night. At any rate, I do it under conditions of privacy and relaxation, when I feel that I can't really DO anything about the things I'm writing about, so it's okay to look at them in a vacuum for the time being.

And I think the above paragraph proves the point/answers the question. I can't help but play devil's advocate, regardless of whether it's for myself or others. I'll always strive to see the other side of things.

Well, I think that's good enough for tonight. Need to get some sleep. But I like this idea of journal writing, online or otherwise. And the fact that others can see it will hopefully keep me from getting too effusive and over-the-top emotionally, as well as preventing me from going into too much detail about personal relationships. Something that I found tended to mean pointless whining and self-pity in my truly private journals.

PJ