Should Loved Ones Read My Journal After I Am Gone?

I am an open book, particularly when it comes to sharing personal insights and life experiences. If anyone on the planet has an interest in my life journeys, I am more than willing to share them or leave them to be read by those who care. Imagine a treasure trove of 74 years worth of 'OMGish fascinating' stories and reflections. Would it matter if one day they end up in the garbage or at a garage sale, or if they gather dust on a bookshelf for decades without being read?

My attitude is that these personal writings, known only to me or to the person who cares enough to read them, serve a dual purpose. Firstly, they are a repository of my experiences, allowing me to remember and revisit moments that shaped my life. Secondly, they offer a glimpse into a life lived with passion, thoughts, and dreams that may resonate with others.

Consider the words of my dear uncle. He kept a journal for most of his life, writing about his autograph collecting, photography work, and musical pursuits. When he passed away, his wife burned the journal. Her response was straightforward: 'The contents were none of my business or anyone else's. They were his thoughts to himself!'

Imagining what would have been inside these pages is fascinating. Could it have been his thoughts on his autograph collecting, the thrill of getting a new autograph? Or his reflections on a wedding or anniversary photo shoot, a car accident, or a band concert? These journals would have been a window into a life filled with experiences, both mundane and extraordinary.

As a professional photographer and a member of the volunteer fire brigade, my uncle's life was rich with activity. His musical background, rooted in family traditions, added another layer of depth to his life. All these experiences could have been captured in his journal, waiting to be discovered.

While I respect my aunt's decision to burn the journals, I mourn the lost potential for her to read and understand the richness of my uncle's life through his own words. The act of burning the journals feels like a loss of a connection, a loss of a soulful presence that could have been shared and celebrated.

Now, do I want my own personal writings to be read after I am gone? Personally, I believe it would bring comfort to my loved ones to have a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings that shaped my life. It would be a way for them to remember me, to connect with the essence of who I was and the experiences that made me unique.

Perhaps the best way to ensure that your writings are read after your passing is to make a clear request in your will or through a simple conversation with your loved ones. Express your thoughts on what you want to happen to your diaries and journals, ensuring that they understand why these writings are significant to you.

Key Points to Consider

Make Your Wishes Clear: Document your wishes in your will or have an honest conversation with your loved ones about what you want to happen to your writings. Preserve the Memories: Your diary or journal could be a valuable source of memories for your family, providing a connection to your life and experiences. Protection from Unintended Outcomes: Without specific instructions, the unintended disposal of your writings could leave your loved ones feeling disconnected from a piece of you.

Ultimately, the decision to have your diary or journal read after your passing boils down to your desires and the well-being of those who will read it. It is a delicate balance that involves mortality, legacy, and the desires of the living. Your willingness to share your thoughts and experiences can leave a lasting impact on generations to come.

Hugs,

Sue