Although I have endeavored several times to keep a journal, even a weekly journal—many of these plans have become futile.

I can remember first starting a journal with my mom when I was in kindergarten. Over the years, I would write briefly after a vacation or my plans for a new school year. Although what I wrote was indeed very cryptic, I have returned to my first personal record over the years—bringing back memories from my early childhood. I am grateful for the information that this first journal provides. I only wish I would have written more. It is amazing how memories can be so clear in our minds, later to find, that we remember only scant details.

Although there were years in which my efforts to put the pen to paper were more fruitful than others, overall, these chronicles proved to provide little description or detail. These accounts simply summarized large spans of my growing up years.

I struggled to create a constant habit, something that would be become part of my daily routine. Additionally, I was in conflict to find a writing medium that would prove easy to write in. Although I had kept an irregular journal in a paper book, I desired to have something that was in a digital form. Due to the vast time I spend on the computer typing away for a school assignment, I desired to try something different.

On Jan. 14, 2011, I decided to start a new habit, to spend 10 minutes before I went to bed to type my journal on the screen of my iPhone with the Notes application. I wanted to faithfully follow the challenge. The first entry was the hardest—it proved again to me that generally the first time we start on a new goal, it is indeed the most difficult.

I am proud to say that I have kept a journal for the most part since that day. I attempted once more to start a goal that I had wanted my whole life to abide by. Truthfully, I admit I have not always followed my goals as faithfully as I wish, but I have to say, it gives me some satisfaction that I am doing this every day

This new daily habit enforces the belief in my mind that we can aspire to what we aim to be, if we are but willing to spend the time and effort to accomplish that goal. Now I look forward to this time to be with myself, analyze the day, reflect a little bit, and keep track of my life. It is nice to pause and reflect over the whole course of the day—ponder what I could have done better in some respect and attempt to make the following day even better.

Perhaps, latter generations will not have the same fascination or interest in my journal as I do. But I know it is worth it to write in a journal—even though no one may ever pick it up and read it except me.

I remember my ancestors, specifically those of Icelandic heritage, who strove to tell their personal story as they attempted to make a new life in the unforgiving frontier of Saskatchewan and North Dakota. Although, they probably thought little of these journals’ affect on future generations, I am grateful for the time they spent to write—even though their lives were as demanding and grueling as they were. These journals have allowed me to understand my own identity and family history. Perhaps, one day my journal will have a similar affect on my future posterity.

As I have kept a journal, I am reminded of how much I should be grateful for, and how in spite of various trials, I was able to overcome them. A journal gives us hope and inspiration, as we learn that no matter our situation, life is overall pleasant and jovial. That does not mean we will not have certain days when we feel let down or in low spirits, but I promise that with a daily journal, one can lead a better and fuller life, as one keeps track of not only the good days but the tough ones too.

If it were not for journals that were penned by many individuals throughout the era of humankind, much of history would remain a mystery to us. We may not all become the future President of the United States, but the small difference that we make matters to this world. It would be a shame if our life experiences and lessons were lost as we left this world—only for our mistakes to be repeated in the impending generations and the happy times of life to be forgotten.

Who knows? Someday your journal or mine might become a best seller or be the key to unlocking some mystery. You just never know.