Putting Pen To Paper

Howdy, Neighbor. People have been telling Phil he’s a good storyteller for a long time… so we are trying something new and pretty-much non-sales Just sharing occasional sweet stories, tall tales, and life lessons learned around these parts. Northwoods Notes are a new, semi-bi-irregular peek into the heart and mind of Phil Frasier… you can read or listen… whichever you prefer… and you are receiving a copy because you’re a current customer of Frasier’s Plumbing and Heating, Inc. We think you’ll like them, but you can unsubscribe any time by clicking on the link at the bottom. But we hope you give us a chance!

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I begin each day by jotting down in my journal three things for which I’m grateful.  

Then, I write down something what would make that day great.  Does it always happen? Well, no. But, by putting pen to paper, at least I made the effort.

And the last (and certainly the most difficult) thing I write is one affirmation about myself. That’s hard for me… but I force myself to do it.

Then, before bed, I return to my journal to document three things that happened that day. And I review some of the things I could’ve changed or done better.

Daily journaling helps me stay on top of who I am. It’s helped me become a better person to the people in my life. It’s shown me the importance of giving others the benefit of the doubt.

Journaling helps me work through my many relationships, including my most important relationship… with the Lord.

I’ve come to realize that life’s always gonna be throwing curveballs. So a little bit of self-reflection at the start of my day helps me to be mentally, spiritually, and emotionally prepared for anything that comes my way.

Then, at night, I review and reflect on how I handled certain situations and how to do it better next time.

I tell ya, journaling’s been rewarding. The challenge is to stay on top of it… which I’ve been able to do for the last two years.

It’s made me see who I really am.

I used to think I was a good citizen because I’d proudly give to the community, charities, and organizations. And while there’s nothing wrong with giving, it didn’t mean I was doing it with the best of intentions.

The true measure of a man is what you think, say, and do when nobody can see or hear you. And that’s where I was coming up short.

I can honestly say that daily journaling has made me less selfish and self-centered. But don’t think for a Northwoods minute that I don’t mess up. Because I still do. Every single day. But thanks to journaling, those messes are becoming fewer and farther between.

I spent fifty-seven years doing things the wrong way, and last two years trying to do it right… by investing in myself an itty-bitty-tiny-bit each day. It’s not a self-help program or some crazy new psychology. I’m just working on the basic principles of my life every single day to improve my relationship with God, Joanna, my family, and everybody I meet.

There’s a purpose and a plan for my life. I don’t exactly know what it is just yet, but that’s okay. I’ve got a lot left in my tank and, through journaling, I’m bound to find out. 

Take care, Neighbor. Take good care.

Phil Frasier.

PS –  There’s a purpose and a plan behind your life too. It may take putting pen to paper to figure it out.