I've kept a journal on and off (more recently, off) since June 7, 1987. And one of the things I've always done when I've gotten a new one, somewhere within the first twenty pages or so, is to open it up to a random page towards the end and write myself a message for the future. And the funny thing is, I always forget that I've done it. Whenever I turn the page, the secret message surprises me. Last night I was surprised to find this reminder to myself from August 17, 1998: Be freer. Be happier. Make sure you've claimed your life. It's up to you. Huh. I don't know if I've succeeded in doing that.