Dear Diary???

Every now and then I feel really compelled to write an entry that explains my blog and the writings I do for it because quite often people seem to question me surrounding it.

There’s a simple answer what this blog is at its very core.

It’s an online “Dear Diary” of sorts and nothing more.

Look, I don’t have that many creative talents, but if there is one thing I do feel I’m good at, it’s composing my thoughts in a clear manner on paper, or as in this case with my blog, digitally.

When my spiritual teacher suggested back in 2012 that I should start writing all the things I’ve gone through in life and continue to go through, by way of a diary or journal, I balked. I’ve never been the “Dear Diary” type. Although I was a small-town columnist in prior years for a few local newspapers writing inspirational stories for readers to digest, the idea of writing for myself about my life experiences in a diary and being told it could actually help heal myself, seemed a little absurd. It just didn’t quite make sense how this could do anything good for me, especially in some type of notebook with my handwriting always being so atrocious. So, when my spiritual teacher recommended that I start an online blog instead, which I learned was basically an online version of a “Dear Diary”, I decided the only thing I could do was at least try it out.

I officially wrote my first post for this blog on January 14th, 2013. It was nothing more than me stating an intention for myself to begin something new in my life. After that, I made a commitment to keep posting something every single day from then on out, in the hopes that it may indeed help myself spiritually heal and grow. I never thought that anything I wrote though would ultimately connect much with anyone else, that was until I began seeing people discover my blog on the Internet, and even sign up for the free subscription to it. As time moved forward, some suggested I repost the links to my articles on social media. I was a little hesitant at first, but eventually I did and soon found more were finding connection to my spiritual journey and musings via my blog’s words. But more importantly was that it did seem to be helping me somehow with my healing, as there were days I felt far better on the mental, emotional, and spiritual levels after composing my thoughts in an article. Unfortunately, along with all these benefits this online “Dear Diary” was bringing me, came some negative energy as well, or should I say a peanut gallery of people who felt the need to tear down and question my writing, rather than uplift and appreciate it. Dealing with that has probably been the only hard part of maintaining this online diary.

Nevertheless, this blog is still mainly for me and my healing. It began that way and will continue to remain that way. It’s a tool I use to express my truths in a way I understand. While they may not be anyone else’s truths and while others may not understand at times what I write either, I’ve begun to accept that’s ok because a blog in of itself is simply one person’s opinions and viewpoints in life, which in my case is a diary of my life, of all my ups and downs, my storms and sufferings, my triumphs and failures, and everything in between. The fact is, I write for me and only me, to help me go within, and to communicate to my inner self. While my words at times may indeed come off as preposterous to others, I accept that, because this is my “Dear Diary”, and is something meant to help me. If it helps others, I’m thankful to God for that, but ultimately, it’s still at its very core for me and my spiritual journey in life. While some may not like what I write and judge my content, I’m thankful I keep beating to my own drum by maintaining this because it’s been helping me heal and spiritually grow. And, if in the process, it helps any of you as well on your own spiritual journeys, I’m blessed to know that too.

So, “Dear Diary”, as I complete one more entry in you for one more day of my life, I credit the Spirit within me and the God of my understanding, for giving me such a strong drive to keep on doing something that has truly helped me on my spiritual journey, even when others may harshly judge me and my words from time to time.

Peace, love, light, and joy,
Andrew Arthur Dawson