Androcles and the Diary

Like the fable about Androcles and the Lion, I've been incredibly irritated by the loss of my diary for over a month. Not as bad as losing a finger, but sometimes I've felt the need to refer to things and add details and this important element has been missing. I'd had to start a second one - a cause of consternation as I've lost count of the books I'd read so far this year. After much thought and searching, I worked out where it was at around 2.00pm in the morning lying in bed trying to sleep. This morning I retrieved it from where it had been hidden away and like the Prodigal's father I'm in a mode of rejoicing - that which was lost is found!.

Its quite strange how very basic elements that enable us to get through life can cause debilitation and a sense of befuddlement when they're removed - my diary acts as reminder list, memory holder, emotional indicator and calendar. For over 20 years I've been collecting ideas, phrases, book and movie titles, "wanted" items and serial and phone numbers between the covers - transferring and updating from year to year. My boss has recently purchased an iPhone and now uses this electronic form as his diary equivalent claiming its become a second brain for him. (Steve Jobs would be proud) So if you haven't considered the need for a diary, maybe you should - or maybe you are the lucky few who don't need to create lists.

Burn brightly, Pete