I was just thinking how big of an impact writing can give. Not towards others in this case, but towards oneself. I thought to myself just now, I would write a book review on 'Death to the Dictator', before I forget everything else that has happened. The book is on the Iranian election which was won by Ahmadinejad but was suspected to be fraudulent by the people. Next thing you know, the nation went protesting on streets. I first read the book two months ago. So yesterday i read and was perplexed to a sudden appearance of a teary wife longing for her missing husband, which after some more reading I realized that the book spoke of couple’s predicament in the earlier pages.
Just like memories, we tend to forget. That's one of the reasons I love writing. (But honestly, I think I might love the idea of it more than actually doing it). Anywho, I went through my previous writings, and I could see how I viewed things differently, how I have somewhat matured. Imagine going through your journal entries, and you come across a sad one. This would make you try to relive those moments but you can't really do that because the pain is gone. And with that you feel more grateful for today. Unfortunately, it also works vice versa. Reading back a happy memory when you're feeling down would probably create a longing for yesterday. But nah, it doesn't necessarily have to be true for the latter!
Ultimately for me, the greatest gratification that comes from writing about your past is when you read them all over again, you know something happened not because you remember it but by your own writing .For instance, I wrote about my visit to an ancient town, Toledo. I didn't write about the rest of the trip to other places thinking reminiscing would suffice. Frankly, now all the memories of my visits other than to Toledo have been jumbled up. Regretfully but at the same time gratefully, I think to myself that at least I have one visit recorded. I am always thankful for every time I write about a memory because now, sometimes when I read them back I don't recall certain events that have taken place but I know that they have happened. Just like a history book, it is something you don't remember to have happened but you know that it definitely has occurred. Except unlike history, the events are more personal and they give meaning to you. And for me, that is very gratifying.
