Dad Journal

I have two young sons. I can’t believe how quickly their childhoods are passing before my eyes. In an attempt to savor this time I decided to begin writing down things about the boys everyday. I have been doing this consistently for one year. Some of the reasons I think I’ve been successful at this for the last year are:

• I purchased a journal for this specific purpose
• I really like the journal, it has a leather cover with a strap to seal it. Just holding the journal is a pleasant sensation.
• I write things down at the same time every day, just before I go upstairs to bed.
• I use a pen I really like, the Precise V5 Rolling Ball Pens

Focused on Now

The primary motivator on keeping up with my journal is now, not later. While I’m sure I’ll look back on the entries in the future and enjoy them; the pleasure of reviewing the day and appreciating it now has been much more influential in keeping me recording days.

What Goes In It

Often the entries are as short as one sentence, something I want to relive and hold on to from the day. Occasionally, the entries are longer but I find brevity helps me focus and keep me motivated. I try to focus on positive items from the day but sometimes I think the frustrations of parenting are work recording, reviewing, and reliving.

Why Not Photos and Video?

I do make it a point to take photos and video, which is another way to savor and record the boys’ childhoods but there is something special about the written word that creates a greater impression on me.

Why in General?

I find the topic of happiness fascinating. I consider myself a happy person but it is always wonderful to discover something new that brings me joy. These books influenced me to start my journal of the boys.

• Stumbling on Happiness
• The Happiness Project

Update: Three Years Later

I originally wrote this post three years ago. Just this week, our family started reading the journal. Reliving these memories together is a wonderful experience for all of us. My journaling has faltered over the last year and this makes me wish I’d been more consistent and I hope to be moving forward.

Sal Ferrarello (@salcode)

Sal is a PHP developer with a focus on the WordPress platform. He is a conference speaker with a background including Piano Player, Radio DJ, Magician/Juggler, Beach Photographer, and High School Math Teacher. Sal can be found professionally at WebDevStudios, where he works as a senior backend engineer.