The 3 Word Journal

I can not begin to explain how this little notion of keeping a "3 Word Journal" has affected me. The author of this book is in our ward here in Austin, PHD Randal Wright and I consider that a tremendous blessing in my life, he is truly exceptional. This book is brilliant. It is simple. It is fascinating. It is affirming. It is therapeutic. It is a wonderful exploration through ones self, memories and intelligible life experiences. It is no mystery that I am passionate about journaling and have been for most of my life but this approach of recording experiences in "3 words" is an idea I could have never conceived. I have been compelled into meaningful reflection as I am stirring up the memories of my past where indeed influential memories and invaluable life lessons have been revealed and I am in love with this journey.

In just the past few days I have discovered 33 - 3 word experience that have profitable lessons associated. This process has been alluring and enlightening and hopefully I will be blessed with the gift of words and the ability to discern and translate so that I can articulate those memories so that they are not merely figments of my past but actual, literal stepping stones towards the person I am.

Understanding my past, an exploration I have been imploring recently seems to have been inspired in lieu of the recent introduction to this book. Those particulars of my life have all motivated me in one way or another in becoming the person I am AND more importantly the person I am aspiring to be.

In Randals book, on the back side of the front cover reads a quote from Harvey Cluff "No intelligent person in youth or old age should merely drift along. Look the world squarely in the face, listen and learn... for there are grand lessons before you every minute." That is what I intend to do, "look the world (my life) squarely in the face... and listen and learn!

This is the commencement of a new tradition I am beginning on our family blog. Every Sunday (time permitting) I will post one of my/our 3 Word experiences, presented with a developed story and lesson learned and I intend to thoroughly enjoy the journey and hope you do as well.

You can learn more about it here 3wordjournal.com

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” (in John Bartlett, comp., Familiar Quotations, 15th ed. [1980], 703).

"Learning the lessons of the past allows you to walk boldly in the light without running the risk of stumbling in the darkness.... Learning the lessons of the past allows you to build personal testimony on a solid bedrock of obedience, faith, and the witness of the Spirit... Nourished by testimony and watered with faith, the lessons of the past can take root in your hearts and become a vibrant part of who you are." Elder M. Russell Ballard

Henry B. Eyring said …. “Tonight, and tomorrow night, you might pray and ponder, asking the questions: Did God send a message that was just for me? Did I see His hand in my life or the lives of my children? I will do that. And then I will find a way to preserve that memory for the day that I, and those that I love, will need to remember how much God loves us and how much we need Him.”