I recently read some words that struck a chord with me, by Mary Eyring, assistant Professor of English at Brigham Young University,
“Events that are recorded, shared, analyzed, and preserved have the power to change lives; events that pass unremarked – that are not discussed or written down simply do not, no matter how spectacular.”
The reason this statement affected me is that a few months ago, I was asked by my daughter, who is currently serving an 18-month mission for our Church, if I would share with her some of my memories and experiences from my missionary service 30 years ago.
Have you ever experienced something “memorable” thinking you could not possibly forget, only to discover that the details soon escape you and then pretty soon the event itself can no longer be recalled?
That has happened to me more than once!
But, how grateful I am that in this case, I could refer back to the journal I had kept!
And because of my daughter’s request, I am currently in the process of typing this 333-page hand-written journal and am sharing it with her as I go. It’s been an exciting journey for me to remember and re-live.
This is what I want to share with you:
I don’t know if what I’m reading and sharing is changing the life of my daughter, but I do know that it is most definitely changing mine!
Even though the countries, the languages, the cultures are different, I’m seeing our experiences, 30 years apart, reflecting each other – similar challenges, similar emotions, similar patterns of thought. Different yet similar.
I’m seeing how my experiences back then, have shaped my way of thinking in the present, having influenced my beliefs, my desires and my ability to love and serve.
The other part I want to share is, that it turns out I’m not only reflecting on my experiences of so long ago, but I’m also reflecting on the power of the written word itself.
Words not written have no power to change lives.
My experiences 30 years ago were significant and meaningful, and certainly helped shaped me, but only now am I seeing once again changes within myself that are occurring because I took the time back then to write those experiences on paper.
Do you have stories within you that are waiting to be expressed? Perhaps the words you will write today will one day give your future self the answers you are looking for. It’s never too late to start.
Your experience and wisdom are unique to you and when written can have the power to change lives.
With love,
