For over eight years I wrote daily in a journal. I wrote about things that happened to me, how I felt about people and situations, and things I wanted for my life. Then, one day, I forgot to write. I picked it up again the next day, but then forgot again. Maybe forgot is a lenient term.
After only a short time the habit was broken and before I knew it nearly four years passed before I realized I hadn't been writing more than once or twice a year. I knew I wasn't alone in my lack of composition. In fact, according to one blog, only 8% of the population actively keeps a journal. Despite the fact that most people struggle to write consistently, it bothered me greatly. Mainly because I knew the benefits of it and that I was capable (per the 12 completely filled journals in my desk).
I looked back at the four years I hadn't been writing and noticed a few things.
I was less grateful.
As I reread some old journal entries, I inevitably called out things I was grateful for in life. This simple practice helped me stay optimistic and focus on life's blessings. Without that consistent written call-out, I had become slightly more calloused and pessimistic.
My vocabulary shrank.
This may seem trivial to some, but I love words, and I always have. I think our words carry immense power and using the correct words in the correct context can make a big difference in our lives and relationships. What had I missed out on or messed up because I wasn't using the best word for the situation?
Other habits slipped.
Writing consistently forced me to set aside time to do so. Since I was already setting aside time for personal development, I would usually transition into reading my Bible, calling a loved one, reading something valuable, or any number of tasks that I may not have initiated without having something else to do alongside it.
There's a reason such a small percentage of the population writes. It takes time some of us feel we simply do not have and the longer we go without practicing the more challenging it seems to be to start up again.
There's also a reason you're reading this newsletter and it just might be that you're meant to experience the benefits of writing in your life.
Fact
Research by Laura King shows that writing about achieving future goals and dreams can make people happier and healthier.
Action
By yourself a nice pen that you'll enjoy writing with. Write one sentence with it today.
Question
What might you want to read about yourself in 10 years? 20 years? Write about that.
Quote
"Substitute 'damn' every time you're inclined to write 'very;' your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be." - Mark Twain
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