Reflecting for the sake of Reflection

I find it interesting that only three months ago I was very cynical about the idea of blogging. Why would anyone want to put the intimate details of their life on the Internet for all to read? It doesn't make sense, especially with the graphic nature of many blogs. Do I want a future employer to see the fact that I swear like a sailor? (For the record, I don't.)

I took up blogging at the right time, though. I find myself committing more thoughts into written word now than I ever have before. I was not a journal-keeper, though I took copious notes during classes. The return to a structured educational program has words flying out of my fingers more than ever. My output here may be slower, but that is not a proper indicator.

So why do I write? Mainly for myself. I refer to my nonexistant reader, but the reality is that I am my own reader. I have a terrible memory for events. Concepts and ideas seem to stick well, but not their context. I write so that I remember. I write so that in two months/years/decades I can look back and remember, reflect, learn. Where was I then, and where am I now? What should I fall back on to regain who I was? Most importantly, how have I improved?

I have decided that improvement is the theme of the year. I will use 2009 to improve in three different areas that should not be surprising. I write them here to formalize their focus:

Spiritual - I will follow God more closely. I will strengthen my spirit so that I am worthy of His love.
Physical - I will strengthen my body for better health and self-confidence. Most importantly, I want a challenge for more than my brain and heart.
Mental - I will learn, develop ideas, draw connections between concepts, and strengthen my intelectual abilities.

I am already walking down this self-improvement path. Now it is formally and publicly defined so I can keep myself acountable and measure progress.