There is a little girl inside me who still dreams about writing detective novels starring a smart young woman with a posse of best friends. (Sounds familiar?) She also wants to try her hand at a teen romance, an angsty novel that talks about failed relationships, sexy historical fiction, a hopeful non-fiction book.
I have not fulfilled those dreams but I have found writing to have been my lifelong partner in telling my stories. Writing has changed my life. Specifically, it has:
1. Provided clarity
When I’m feeling confused about what I’m going through, writing about it helps me understand what I’m feeling, explore different perspectives and come up with next steps. This can take one journaling session or multiple writing sessions through the years (the analysis on whether I should leave my job filled multiple notebooks).
How to use writing to provide clarity: Write using the following prompts: “How am I feeling?” “Why am I feeling this way?” “If I made this decision, what’s the best that could happen?” “What’s the worst that could happen?” “What are my values and what’s the best action that will align with them?”
2. Given a safe space for my emotions
I have written about the milestones in my life: my love story, my promotions, my pregnancy tracker, my business wins. But I have also cursed in my journal. Ink has run from my tears. There are angry jabs from my pen. And then there are doodles of rainbows and flowers and hearts.
How to use writing to process your emotions: Know that the blank page is the safest and most non-judgmental space for you. Let your true feelings out. There’s no need to be polite when you write. Show your anger, your fear, your judgment, your sadness, your joy and leave it there. Find a hiding place for your notebook or journal so no one reads what you’ve written.
3. Inspired me
I have asked myself: “What would you have me do?” The answers have shown up on the page. I have asked: “What do I need to do next?” The answers come up as I write. I have written letters to my future self. I have been reminded of what I want for my life, what I should be saying yes to, what my best life looks like.
How to use writing to inspire you: Make a list of inspiring quotes to lift you up when you’re feeling discouraged. Answer the questions above. Ask yourself the following: “What do I want to accomplish before the year ends?” “What should I embrace in my life?” “What parts of my life need my love and attention?”
4. Given me awareness and curiosity
Writing has made me aware of my motivations and made me curious about what I do why I do. It has shone the light on parts of myself that needed to change, parts of my life that needed more investigation. When I write, I repeat the same things over and over as a way to remind myself about who I am and what I want.
How to use writing to get curious about your life: Ask yourself some slambook questions: “I am…” “I believe…” “Love is…” “I want…” “I need…” “I want to do more…” “I want to do less…”
