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Guys and Journaling: Bruce Bair Finds Focus and Sets Expectations

Some additional information in one line
Mari L. McCarthy March 9, 2010

This post is part of a series called “Guys and Journaling” which will profile several men for whom journaling plays an important role in their lives.

I have written in a journal irregularly since 1968.  I did it as a project for 4-H and then as a way to gain perspective, then I discovered Natalie Goldberg and journaled simply to get better at writing.  Most recently I began to use the computer -- until then I used stenographers notebooks (spiral bound and 12 for $8 at OfficeMax).  

I usually write at 5:30 AM most days to get clear where I am going and what I want to do by describing what I want my day to look like and all the things I will get done and how I will feel, etc....I kind of create the perfect day and then try to live it, and comment the next day on how far off or close I was.  I like to record insights, also.

I had been doing mind-body activities as part of a personal wellness program and realized while interviewing Mari that journaling was a mind-body practice – Qi Gong-like.  It made me like it more.

I think (journaling) reduces my stress as I like to look forward into the day, anticipate roadblocks and really get perspective on what I can really expect.  It keeps my expected progress on dreams and goals within my talent pool.  I feel more relaxed and satisfied, and it keeps me focused on what is to be done to accomplish my goals.  I don't wander around floundering.  I might start with a statement like this, where I fill in the blanks:

Today I am focused on: _____________________________ and I expect to do some things about that focus.  If today is perfect and if I can not fail then I will ________________________________. Something like that.  I might add sidebar notes that yesterday I
expected such and such but did not know _________ that helped or hindered progress.  I can now anticipate ______ and that means I will do ___________________much.

Writing a journal may be just for women, but living is for everyone.  We need mind-body processes that focus us, reduce our stress and allow us to consider things in perspective.  A woman I interviewed about menopause advised her clients to keep a journal so that when they lost their cool or became emotionally overwrought, they could later return to the writing for the kernel of truth.  Then they could address the concern/principle when they were more calm and rational.  I think this is good for guys and girls.  It helps us gain perspective and be more effective.


Bruce Bair, PAC, is a Physician Assistant in urgent and emergency medicine, as well as a life coach and interviewer. He runs The Skinney Company, LLC, and maintains the blogs Female Menopause Mentors and The PA Path.

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