Non-neurotic Journaling
How to write to yourself
Some have argued that journaling is neurotic.
Here are some amusing posts on the theme:
These claims are overblown. Not all journaling is narcissistic neuroticism. Anyway, the optimal amount of neuroticism, understood as a personality characteristic, is not zero.
Nonetheless diary writing can be unhealthy. Like so many other things. Some use it as a tool for rumination. Others as a ledger for fake work – writing about self improvement that never happens. Still others for self-absorbed commentary.
Against this, Marcus Aurelius provides a good model. Marcus Aurelius does many things in his Meditations. He pushes himself to be better and rehearses his principles. It serves as memoranda, a way for him to remember his philosophy of life. He often quotes Epictetus, but we also see Plato and several of the ancient poets.
The Stoic emperor does not ruminate over mistakes, but moves his attention to who he aspires to be, the principles he wants to embody, and motivates himself to see things as they are and be better. And I think that’s an excellent model for thought, let alone journaling.
Your present opinion founded on understanding, and your present conduct directed to social good, and your present disposition of contentment with everything which happens- that is enough.
9.6