Keep a "Clothes Hanger" Journal
Writing just one sentence a day can create a quick memoir of your entire year
Distill your day's experiences into a single sentence each day. Call it a "clothes hanger" journal: It provides a framework on which to hang the larger raiments of memory. A few well-chosen words can transport you back to where you were days or years ago. And—if you're persistent—it can show you the shape of your life over time.
Luann Robins, a 79-year-old grandmother of five who lives in Rhinelander, Wis., has kept such records for most of her life, storing her five-year diaries in a cedar chest at the foot of her bed. "Sometimes they bring back great memories that I might have forgotten," says Robins. Her journals are filled with comments on the weather, odd events, and her children's and grandchildren's news.
Through her minimalist journaling, Robins has kept a clear-eyed account of her history and is working on memoirs for her children to read.
Reader Comments
Clothes Hanger Journal
I keep a Daily journal to Talk to God about things that I want, how my day went, and where I want to be in my life. I guess you could call it a life road map. Lets say you want to get to a certain destination you need a map right ? So my journal is my map of life . And you know what? It happens ,when I write it down.It calms me down ,and I can see a clear picture ,on what I want out of life.It also makes me greatful on what I have, and not what I dont have.
Visiting in Virginia
Woke up in Richmond, went to bed in Charlottesville, drove too fast on I-64 in between, saw great friends and family on both sides.
advertisement
