Writing a Personal Journal

Writing a Personal Journal A journal is a written record of incidents, experiences, and ideas. Also known as a  personal journal,  notebook, diary, and log. Writers often keep journals to record observations and explore ideas that may eventually be developed into more formal essays, articles, and stories. The  personal journal is  a very private document, says  Brian Alleyne, a place where the author records and reflects on lifes events. Knowledge of the self in the  personal journal is  retrospective knowledge and therefore potentially narrative self-knowledge (Narrative Networks, 2015). Observations The writers journal is a record of and workbook for your writing life. It is your repository for bits of experience, observation and thought destined for eventual use in one writing project or another. The entries in a personal journal tend to be abstract, but the entries in a writers journal should be concrete. (Alice Orr, No More Rejections. Writers Digest Books, 2004)All of us who keep journals do so for different reasons, I suppose, but we must have in common a fascination with the surprising patterns that emerge over the years- a sort of arabesque in which certain elements appear and reappear, like the designs in a well-wrought novel. (Joyce Carol Oates, interviewed by Robert Phillips. The Paris Review, Fall-Winter 1978)Think nothing too trifling to write down, so it be in the smallest degree characteristic. You will be surprised to find on reperusing your journal what an importance and graphic power these little particulars assume. (Nathaniel Hawthorne, letter to Horatio Bridge , May 3, 1843) Poet Stephen Spender: Write Anything I feel as though I could not write again. Words seem to break in my mind like sticks when I put them down on paper. . . . I must put out my hands and grasp the handfuls of facts. How extraordinary they are! The aluminum balloons seem nailed into the sky like those bolts which hold together the irradiating struts between the wings of a biplane. The streets become more and more deserted, and the West End is full of shops to let. Sandbags are laid above the glass pavements over basements along the sidewalk. . . . The best thing is to write anything, anything that comes into my mind until there is a calm and creative day. It is essential to be patient and to remember that nothing one feels is the last word. (Stephen Spender, Journal, London, September 1939) Orwells Notebook Entry Curious effect, here in the sanatorium, on Easter Sunday, when people in this (the most expensive) block of chalets mostly have visitors, of hearing large numbers of upper-class English voices. . . . And what voices! A sort of over-fedness, a fatuous self-confidence, a constant bah-bahing of laughter abt nothing, above all a sort of heaviness and richness combined with a fundamental ill will. (George Orwell, notebook entry for April 17, 1949, Collected Essays 1945-1950) Functions of a Journal Many professional writers use journals, and the habit is a good one for anybody interested in writing, even if he or she has no literary ambitions. Journals store perceptions, ideas, emotions, actions- all future material for essays or stories. The Journals of Henry Thoreau are a famous example, as are A Writers Diary by Virginia Woolf, the Notebooks of the French novelist Albert Camus, and A War-time Diary by the English writer George Orwell. If a journal is really to help you develop as a writer, youve got to do more than compose trite commonplaces or mechanically list what happens each day. You have to look honestly and freshly at the world around you and at the self within. (Thomas S. Kane, The New Oxford Guide to Writing. Oxford University Press, 1988) Thoreaus Journals As repositories of facts, Thoreaus journals act like a writers warehouse in which he indexes his stored observations. Here is a typical list: It occurs to me that these phenomena occur simultaneously, say June 12, viz:Heat about 85 at 2P.M. True summer. Hylodes cease to peep. Purring frogs ( Rana palustris) cease. Lightning bugs first seen. Bullfrogs trump generally. Mosquitoes begin to be really troublesome. Afternoon thunder-showers almost regular. Sleep with open window (10th), and wear thin coat and ribbon neck. Turtles fairly and generally begun to lay. [15 June 1860] In addition to their function as storage, the journals constitute a complex of processing plants as well, where the notations become descriptions, meditations, ruminations, judgments, and other types of studies: From all points of the compass, from the earth beneath and the heavens above, have come these inspirations and been entered duly in the order of arrival in the journal. Thereafter, when the time arrived, they were winnowed into lectures, and again, in due time, from lectures into essays (1845-1847). In short, in the journals, Thoreau negotiates the transformation of facts into forms of written expressions that have entirely different orders of resonance . . .. (Robert E. Belknap, The List: The Uses and Pleasures of Cataloguing. Yale University  Press, 2004) A Contrarians View People ask whether I use a notebook, and the answer is no. I think a writers notebook is the best way there is to immortalize really bad ideas, whereas the Darwinian process takes place if you dont write anything down. The bad ones float away, and the good ones stay. (Stephen King, quoted in Whats on Stephen Kings Dark Side? by Brian Truitt. USA Weekend, October  29-31, 2010) Are Journal-Keepers Introspective or Self-Absorbed? Some people like to keep a journal. Some people think it’s a bad idea. People who keep a journal often see it as part of the process of self-understanding and personal growth. They don’t want insights and events to slip through their minds. They think with their fingers and have to write to process experiences and become aware of their feelings. People who oppose journal-keeping fear it contributes to self-absorption and narcissism. C.S. Lewis, who kept a journal at times, feared that it just aggravated sadness and reinforced neurosis. Gen. George Marshall did not keep a diary during World War II because he thought it would lead to self-deception or hesitation in reaching decisions. The question is: How do you succeed in being introspective without being self-absorbed? (David Brooks, Introspective or Narcissistic? The New York Times, August 7, 2014)

Organizational Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Organizational Change - Essay Example PWRC typically employs 5 case managers and 35 correctional officers. The average age of the members of staff is 40 years. A large number of staff is male however; during the first couple of years of data collection, approximately 70% members of the staff were female. In the third year, this percentage dropped to 60%. Around 70% of the staff has obtained their high school diploma and around 90% of the staff in based on African-American employees. PWRC has implemented a change process that emphasized on modifying the climate and culture of the facility. The goal of PWRC is to create a learning environment that supports the results of offenders. A training model, as part of change process, was implemented to evaluate the organizational change. The change process comprised of 2-day communication process, which focused on building communications skills of staff so that they can communicate with offenders in an effective manner. The purpose of this training was to create a sustainable change (Rogers, 2003; Armenakis, Harris, & Mossholder, 1993). This training system addresses the need to external facilitators and coaches in order to help the staff members for learning material in training session. On-site training is a tool that comprises of intensive coaching as well as coaching after training sessions. The most appropriate method for implementing organizational change in correction agency is ‘Continuous On-Site Training’. This method focuses on implementing change for communication strategies, which are utilized by staff as well as for organizational readiness. It has been observed that the most important factor to address in any organization while implementing change is communication skills. If communication skills are appropriate then any change can be implemented easily. If staff members are taught that change is for their own benefits then they will be eager to adopt the change. Therefore, the most appropriate method is to implement ‘Continuous On-Site

Homework Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Homework - Term Paper Example Nevertheless world is going to need alternative energy sources sooner or later because of this reason the America has started a war against Iraq in the name of uprooting global terrorism. But in reality America wanted to get its hands of Iraqi oil fields. On the other hand US have indulged itself with a useless military confrontation in Afghanistan so that it can get near to the hot waters of Pakistan. The American nation is getting ready to fight a future war that will be fought on the water disputes. The western nations are increasingly concerned about the futuristic outlook of the world regarding energy production while under developed nations are not bothered by the griming condition of world’s most significant oil producing nations such as Saudi Arabia. Furthermore an interesting note has been shared by a research which conveyed that humanity is wasting two barrels of oil in order to extract a new one. The above mentioned statement pointed out to the fact that oil extract ion and refinement systems are not efficient because they are presently consuming more oil than their production, this is causing the net availability of oil products to decrease on a worldwide basis. Moreover oil producing companies are reportedly believed to have been involved in hindering the development of alternative energy sources because these projects can cut down oil producers’ margin for good. The supporters of alternative energy are considering battery power as a bailout for energy crisis of the world. Some of the pranks say that wind energy can save the world from acute lack of energy sources. But the problem is that all of the ideas are innovative but impractical at this time because they need financial muscle to prove their applicability on the vast scale. Yet the world’s oil supplies are going down this is a given and in the few years world will turn to renewable energy sources. Meanwhile the countries should enhance the efficiency of oil extracting and refinement processes in order to minimize the wastage of oil while it is being produced. In addition The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ ability to form an oligopoly should be minimized with the help of implementing stricter trade and commerce laws on oil business. The global oil regularity authorities are suggested to conduct an impartial assessment of current level of oil left in the earth. The oil producing corporations are also known to expedite oil extraction projects without the consent of surrounding population which causes a huge population displacement. These oil extraction processes are also notorious for causing immeasurable pollution and weakening the structural integrity of the ground that makes it prone towards experiencing seismic activities such as earthquakes of higher magnitude. The global political scenario is also playing a significant role in terms of not letting the alternative energy projects to propagate freely. But, they are advised to support these alternative energy ventures because they may represent humanity’s only chance against serious power shortage in the future. Finally if humanity fails to fight the threat of oil shortage then humans have to revert towards simpler existence that may include the use of horses as transportation mean and wood would be used to generate heat and cook food. Literature Review In the view of Dresselhaus & Thomson, (2001) world needs the alternative

Organizational Development application concepts to introduce change at Term Paper

Organizational Development application concepts to introduce change at Old Navy - Term Paper Example The company tends to offer its customers with denim, sunglasses, blouses, shirts, handbags and other fashion products at cheaper prices than its competitors in its physical stores and through its websites. Customers have been observed to prefer its fashionable style and the prices at which the company offers its goods and services to a large extent (WhaleShark Media, 2011). Issues Likely to be Faced by Old Navy Retailer Stores There might be losses to the retailers in the form of external threats such as theft, damage or loss of merchandise along with transaction fraud which is considered to hamper the Old Navy Retailer Stores at large. It has been noted by Aberdeen research reports that approximately 60% of the retailers experienced a write-off of nearly 1.75% of the total inventory (Aberdeen Group, â€Å"Retail Loss prevention System†). ... For instance, it might consist of part time or temporary employees’ related issues, including employees’ dissatisfaction with the working conditions resulting to high turnovers of the employees which can hinder the successful operation of the organization in its long-run. These problems in conjunction to poor performance may prove to be quite problematic for the retailers since such employees tend to be in direct contact with the customers. This may further impact on the brand image of the company influencing the aspect of customer loyalty as well (Purpura, â€Å"Security and Loss Prevention: An Introduction†). With the rising trend of use of the information technology, the maintenance cost for the companies is surmounting day by day. Maintenance cost is considered to be an important factor in the profitability of the organization (Haroun & Duffuaa, â€Å"Maintenance organization†). Rewards systems are considered to be another issue for the retail organiza tions. The main objective of the reward system is to attract potential employees and retain the productive ones, to draw out good performance and to maintain commitment to the organization (Koala Consulting and training, â€Å"Reward Systems†). Each organization must have reward systems as without such systems, companies will not be capable of having talented staffs in the organization. At times it has been noted that an incentive scheme which is capable of enhancing the sales of the organization and motivating the staffs may as well have a negative impact upon the teamwork within the organization. Therefore, this can be considered as an issue for the retail organization. With the increasing effect of globalization, more and more companies are coming up with their product offerings which are giving rise to

Sir Thomas More Essay example -- essays research papers fc

Thomas More was born in Milk Street, London on February 7, 1478, son Sir John More, a prominent judge. He was educated at St Anthony's School in London. As a youth he served as a page in the household of Archbishop Morton, who predecited he would be a "marvellous man."1. More went on to study at Oxford under Thomas Linacre and William Grocyn. During this time, he wrote comedies and studied Greek and Latin literature. One of his first works was an English translation of a Latin biography of the Italian humanist Pico della Mirandola. It was printed by Wynkyn de Worde in 1510. Around 1494 More returned to London to study law, was admitted to Lincoln's Inn in 1496, and became a barrister in 1501. Yet More did not automatically follow in his father's footsteps. He was torn between a monastic calling and a life of civil service. While at Lincoln's Inn, he determined to become a monk and subjected himself to the discipline of the Carthusians, living at a nearby monastery and taking part of the monastic life. The prayer, fasting, and penance habits stayed with him for the rest of his life. More's desire for monasticism was finally overcome by his sense of duty to serve his country in the field of politics. He entered Parliament in 1504, and married for the first time in 1504 or 1505. More became a close friend with Desiderius Erasmus (ca. 1466-1536) during the latter's first visit to England in 1499. It was the beginning of a lifelong friendship and correspondence. Th...

Marketing Plan Phase III

Panera Bread would like to announce a new cyber-cafe available at all locations. This product has been upgraded to assist the growing desire for a full service Internet accessibility location. A plan consisting of four-phases has been developed to market the new product. Currently most locations provide free wireless Internet access to their customer base. Panera has the biggest free wireless network in the USA. During the peak hours of business the customers’ will have a limit amount of time to use the Internet; the time limit is 30-60 minutes (Absolute Astronomy, 2011). However with the upgrade the locations will not have to limit the number of computers or a time limit. Phase One – Upgrade the Internet accessibility at all Panera Bread locations †¢ Development of product – One in three households has never used a computer. 18% of American households do not own a computer or have Internet access (Absolute Astronomy, 2011). SWOTT – An analysis of the cyber-cafe will find the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, and trends in the market. †¢ Market Research – Panera Bread will distribute a survey to the company’s customer base that will lead to a better understanding of the consumer’s needs for Internet accessibility. Phase Two – Marketing to Consumers †¢ Target Market – Consumers between the age of 18-50 †¢ Consumers – Consumers want to access the Internet for various reasons such as keeping in touch with family, friends, accessing research data, and more. Competitors – Knowing the possible competitors and what they will offer. Phase Three – Expectations of the New Cyber-cafe †¢ Attributes –A larger server and reasonably priced cycle – Expected product life cycle for the cyber-cafe will be approximately 10 years. The reaction expected from competitors will cause a high incentive to duplicate Panera’s new era of cyber-cafes. †¢ Strategy and Price – The basic strategy is to provide a need to the consumers of Pan era Bread. The services cost will be in a price range that everyone can afford. Phase Four – Launching the cyber-cafe * The new improved sever to handle the increase in volume * The product will be put into 10 different locations for testing the new service. With the company following the four-phase plan, the management has high expectations for the cyber-cafe’s success. Panera Bread does not expect the service to start declining for at least six years.

The Factors That Contribute to the Restriction in Freedom...

CHAPTER 1 THE FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE RESTRICTION IN FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND INFORMATION IN MALAYSIA TOWARDS IUKLS LOCAL STUDENTS 1.1 Introduction Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. (The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19, 1948). Freedom of speech and information is the one of the rights to every people in the civilized nation. Freedom of speech and information can be describe as the freedom of each of the citizen to voice out their opinion in the appropriate way and gain the access to the useful information without any†¦show more content†¦Sociological: The un-expose to the information and knowledge has made the students unaware about the importance of the freedom of speech. Thus influence the interaction among them in their daily life. Duttons 2004 say: This publication argues for a fresh approach that moves beyond the limitations of the ‘information society concept that has been the most common way of signifying the broad, interconnected range of social and economic changes tied to ICTs. Rethinking access in the way proposed here opens a broader understanding of the term access in relation to ICTs than the traditional definition that referred primarily to physical access to ICT infrastructures, systems, and devices. It also widens the object of that access from information, as implied by the term ‘information society, to include people, services, and technologies. (p. 22) The restriction to the access of information has made the student unaware about the right to the freedom of speech and information. Thus, they will not make this as one of the topics of conversation in their daily life interactions. Legal: The restriction in term of laws and legislation for the freedom of speech and information among the students. All the treaties about human rights allow limitations on freedom of expression when national security is discussed. Again in almost all states where freedom of information is being