We were only allowed to bring a limited number

of personal items aboard the ship when we left Earth, and I know it was a
tough decision for many of my ship mates when it came time to select. For me,
the decision was easy: I had to bring these notebooks.

Some people need to talk out their problems and issues. I’m one of those people who prefers to journal; there’s something about putting my thoughts and emotions on paper that helps me process all of the things that are fighting for attention in my mind.

I talked with Dr. Armistead about it before we launched, and she told me that she’s the same way. To her, talking is good, but once the words are out of your mouth, she felt like they dissolved into the air, and left no record of ever being spoken, and therefore carried no weight. However, words that are written, she said, seem to carry a little more power; they are bolder, and often have more truth within them.

Personally, I believe that written thoughts require a little more bravery. It’s easy to open your mouth and spill words. But to sit down and compose your thoughts on paper requires more time, more thoughtfulness, and opens pathways to other thoughts that you might otherwise not have considered.

When I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I’m angry…the emotion seems more real to me when I’m able to write it down and explain it. And it’s comforting to be able to look back and read the journal of my life and my feelings, and know that I’m truly human.

(What do you say, Galahad fans? Do you keep a journal? If so, how has it helped you with your thoughts and feelings? When you journal, are you completely honest with yourself? Feel free to post your reaction to Triana’s journal entry, and thank you for visiting the Galahad Blog!)