I have kept a hand written daily diary religiously since 1/1/70.  It is a ritual which serves many many purposes.

Some of the positive benefits are historical and others are mental. 

I started reading it 11 years ago and each night I am reading 34 years ago today and a year ago today.  The benefit of such perspective is immeasurable.  The invariable lesson is that the anxiety is, more often than not, much worse than the reality and a taxing waste of energy.  To read about my fear and apprehension and know the result is quite empowering, therapuetic and cathartic.

I could go on and on about the benefits, but it is also a slavish time consuming work. Another downside is that there is always the prospect of a subpoena hanging over me and, in fact, it was once subpoenaed.

All in all, I highly recommend the discipline and plan to continue writing my feelings and happenings for the rest of my life. 

I sometimes wonder what my last words will be. 

So it goes...