From Surgical Notes to Self-Reflection: The Surprising Link Between History and Journaling
The first surgical hospital in Philadelphia, and indeed in the United States, is Pennsylvania Hospital. Founded in 1751 by Benjamin Franklin and Dr. Thomas Bond.
There’s something about walking through the streets of the Northeast that makes you feel the weight and wonder of history.
Recently, I had the chance to take a family vacation through some of the most historic cities in the U.S.—Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C.—and while there were countless things to see and do, one particular story really stuck with me. It was about the very first surgical amphitheater in the country, founded by none other than Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia.
Back then, surgeries could only be performed between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM—and only on sunny days—because the building relied solely on natural light from a skylight. Can you imagine? No electricity. No anesthesia like we know it today. And a “successful” surgery simply meant the patient survived. That’s it.
Fast forward a couple hundred years, and now we have outpatient surgeries done in hours, high-tech surgical rooms that operate 24/7, and recovery times that are almost hard to believe.
So what made that kind of progress possible?
Documentation. Reflection. Learning from the past.
Basically... journaling.
What journaling teaches us: your past is your greatest teacher
Those early surgeons wrote down what they tried, what worked, what didn’t, and how they could improve. They didn’t rely on memory or guesswork—they relied on consistent records. Those notes became a foundation for future doctors to build on and save lives.
Isn’t that exactly what we should be doing in our own lives?
Think about it: each day is a page in your personal history book. By journaling, you’re creating a record of your experiences, your habits, your emotions, your wins—and yes, even your losses. You’re collecting clues about what’s working and what’s not. And when you look back, you’re able to see patterns, triggers, and opportunities to grow.
Why journaling is the most underrated self-growth tool
Journaling isn’t just for the poetic or the overly emotional (though there’s nothing wrong with either!). It’s a practical tool for reflection, decision-making, and long-term change.
Here’s what journaling can help you do:
Recognize what energizes you—and what drains you.
Track habits and routines that either move you forward or hold you back.
Process emotions in real time so they don’t build up or bubble over.
Capture ideas, dreams, and inspirations you might otherwise forget.
Reflect on meaningful moments—so they don’t get lost in the daily rush.
The quote that says it all
There’s a quote I keep coming back to:
“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
— George Santayana, The Life of Reason
It’s true for nations, and it’s true for us as individuals.
When we don’t take time to reflect on where we’ve been, we tend to repeat the same patterns. But when we do? We start to design our days more intentionally. We live more fully. We grow. And that’s what journaling helps us do.
Your story matters—write it down
You don’t need to write a novel or have perfect handwriting. Start small. Write one sentence a day. List what you’re grateful for. Jot down a win, a lesson, or a question that’s on your mind.
Your past holds power—and your journal holds the key to unlocking it.
So grab a notebook, open your journal, and begin. Because today's thoughts become tomorrow’s clarity. And who knows what breakthroughs are waiting for you on the next page?
Want to start journaling today?
Explore our guided journal collection—including I Am Grateful, I Am Intentional, and Grace in Grief—to help you begin your reflection journey with purpose and ease.
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Related: How to Use Your “I AM” Journal Series
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