January 9th, 2019

My Digital Journal

Writing has always been therapeutic for me. But, surprisingly, I've never had a long-term diary or journal. In elementary school I occasionally was gifted (or bought) those cutsey diaries, usually the ones that came with that flimsily little lock and key any person could easily bust open with a slight bit of force. But as soon as I'd start putting down my thoughts for a few days, I'd find myself wanting to rip all the pages I'd just filled back out. Eventually the diary would get pushed aside and, later still, I'm sure my mom disposed of the unused book.

The problem, I found, was that the very idea of a diary was just not at all appealing for me. Diaries were meant to hold your secrets. They were meant to be hidden away and not to be read by anyone. It was where you drooled over your latest crush, complained about whatever annoying thing your friend was up to, and confessed your sorrows while holding back those salty tears. Now, there's nothing wrong with this of course. Diaries can be very beneficial for those of us who just need something to spill all our thoughts into. But, for me, that wasn't the case. The idea of having such a book—a book that, most likely, would be filled with complaints and whining and grief and longing—was just, well, gross. What would I ultimately do with a book full of things I'd be horrified if anyone else read? It's not like I'd be looking to go back and reread the entries. And, as stated, it's not like I would be sharing it with anyone (or passing it down to my kids). So, what was the point?

The idea of keeping a "journal" sounded much better to me. Now, most people probably see diaries and journals as one in the same. And, maybe some of you with diaries choose to call it a journal instead—since, honestly, it's a lot more "adult" to say that you have a journal versus a diary. But to me there's a clear distinction: while diaries are meant as an outlet for our deepest secrets and emotions, meant to be hidden away for our eyes only, a journal was a collection of memories and moments, meant to document one's life and be shared with others.

The 21st century has brought us so much in terms of advancement and technology. Now, instead of waiting to have a disposable camera developed and only having limited copies of the captured images, I can digitally take, send, upload, and post my photos with just one click of my thumb. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and I definitely stand by that. Of course, I am still a lover of English, literature, and books galore. Words are powerful—I know that. But reading a biography about a person's life and seeing photos from a person's life are two very different things.

When I decided to make this blog originally, it was just meant to be a place to store and display my photos. After completing Project 365 and clogging my poor follower's feeds on the daily via Instagram, I decided to continue my photo journey through a different platform. And, thus, my blog came to life. Another year passed with a daily photo (or more, usually!) from me, each blogged here in it's own post. As time passed, the purpose for this blog changed and new elements grew. Along with each photo, I started adding captions or quotes. Sometimes I included entire paragraphs or full-blown stories about the photos. It was exciting to see two mediums I was passionate about—photos and writing—coming together to tell a story. And not just any story, my story.

There came a point when I finally realized the real purpose that had now developed behind my blog: to document my life. This blog has become a digital journal for me. It is a collection of all kinds of pictures, stories, and memories that make up Jordan Rachele Donelson's life. It is my happy place; full of smiling faces, silly stories, and heartfelt confessions. I cannot say that there is one thing I've posted or written that I wouldn't want other eyes to see. This blog is a piece of me—something I can happily look back over with nothing but warmth. I am excited to continue to add more memories with each and every post. Although sometimes I can slack behind, it is something I never want to neglect or abandon. This blog has become such an important possession of mine (which is funny, since I will never actually be able to physically hold it!). One day, years and years from now, I hope I can look back to find a website full of thousands of memories all waiting to be remembered.