Everyone I've Ever Known

How many people have you known?

I started keeping a journal again on March 14th of this year (2024).  In it, I don't write about mundane activities, just those that relate to my spiritual, mental, emotional, and social well-being.  Yes, there will be a few facts in there that are significant, but mostly those that promote wellness.

Recently I was speaking with one of my mentors about it  Their suggestion was to not only include significant thoughts, activities, and emotions, but I should actually do something they found meaningful.  They suggested I write down the names of every person I have ever known.  Yes, EVERY person.  That sounded like an impossible task to me, but I thought I'd give it a try.

I tried to just make a list but that became too cumbersome. After a little bit of trial and error, I decided to use a spreadsheet. The first hundred names were easy. Then, started thinking of names on the way home, while I was in bed, and at different weird times around the clock. Out of nowhere, I would suddenly think of an old high school chum or one of my school teachers. Genuine friends, saints, and jerks are all on my list.  Now I carry a pen and notecard with me 24/7, for that long-lost person who's name pops into my brain.

I decided I needed to add some parameters. For example, what does it mean to know someone? How well do I have to know them? I also found that people easily fell into different categories.

For this project, I define someone I know as someone whom I've had a relationship with. Meeting them once or twice does not count. I had to have some significant interaction with them. That relationship could be work, family, church, business dealings, etc. These are the categories I have so far are... Acquaintance, Business, Church, College, Doctor, Family, Family Friend, Friend, High school, Hobby, Hunter Safety, Neighbor, Pet, and Work. Yes, I have included our family pets, as they brought us joy, excitement and frustration.  As I go, I may add or change any of these categories, but that is how I am starting.

As of this writing, I have 366 names from childhood to today.  The columns are Full Name, First Name, Last Name, Category, and Comments.  Doing it in Excel, lets me separate Full Name into Last and First with a formula. I also enter in Category and Comment.  Using Google Sheets allows me to edit it anywhere.  Having all of these columns allows me to sort them in different ways to make sure I am not missing something, or someone, or have duplications.  The Comment section allows me to add any significant details.  This is what it looks like: 

What I have found are two important things.  When I add a name, it frequently prompts me to think of someone else from that time frame to add to the list.  Most importantly, in the comment section, I can select and write significantly about those whom I am grateful for or hold resentment against.  That way I can thank or forgive them.  This list so far has brought up some important moments of reflection for me. I'm finding the suggestion that my mentor gave me is proving to be a valuable one.  

More updates on this project down the road.

gus