Better Living Through Writing
Writing makes thinking, creating, and communicating all easier to do. Here’s how I got started.
Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash
This all started with my mother's library of self-help books, which she obtained to help make sense of her own upbringing and the behavior of those around her. Though I was a mere child, I had learned--like her--to be unhappy with my lot in life. These books did not help either of us become happy--at least not directly. They did help me develop a better understanding of people--or in some cases, simply become aware of the world beyond my house.
Thus began my commitment to personal development--now a struggle of multiple decades. Yet, the value of writing did not become apparent until recently.
Impetus to Write
Other than a brief flirtation with journaling in my freshman year of high school, I have had no incentive to write my thoughts down consistently. 2019 changed that. Over the course of a few months I:
moved
put my house up for rent
changed jobs for the first time in my career
experienced some new relationship problems, and
took a nauseating financial risk to avert a disaster.
Consequently, 2019 was the most stressful year I'd ever had as an adult. By September, I was miserable and had more or less lost my grip on reality. I'd hit that point where trying harder is impossible. I had to try something different.
Desperate for someone to talk to--but ashamed of my difficulties--I talked to Evernote. As voice transcription made my words appear on the screen, I found myself parsing them as I spoke. I tried to follow my own logic, or lack thereof. Once I started arguing with myself, that was it--I was sold on journaling. Since then, writing has become a focal point of each day. Instead of just talking to myself, I'm ready to share my words with others and have some dialogue.
On Self-Improvement
Self-improvement is a daunting process for a variety of reasons. One would think that the biggest roadblock is simply accepting the fact that one needs improvement. It usually doesn't work out that way at all. Consider the number of people that are able to acknowledge the absence of healthy habits in their lives, but seem unable to consistently buy better food or commit to an exercise regime. As with any major undertaking, desiring change is only the first step.
Benefits of Writing
Writing regularly has afforded me the following benefits:
identify emotional problems when they sprout, rather than in full bloom
improved analysis and reasoning skills
I reach better solutions at a faster speed
more effective communication at work and at home
better understanding of how my habits and career fulfill me (or don't, as the case may be)
fun--particularly in exercising the creative parts of my mind
My posts on this blog should reveal how I realized these benefits and will hopefully inspire you to reap them for yourself.