Everyone lives out their own unique story every day. Teaching 3rd graders over a decade, I always loved it when students would tell me they had nothing to write about. After a few gentle questions, mental sparks would fly as they’d realize they DID have important things to say. EVERY living person has a story to tell with a future that remains unwritten.
The first things necessary to record your thoughts are the right tools. Try writing with both pen and pencil. Try many different kinds until you find just the right fit. If you are like me, your preference might be a keyboard. Again, there are many different types available. You need to find the most comfortable for you.
Journals come in all shapes and sizes with paper in a variety of textures. Lined or unlined? Walmart usually has a pretty good selection of quality journals. Amazon is my go-to place for writing supplies. Along with blogging online, I love recording my thoughts in paper journals. Old School.
For me, the time of day is crucial. For years, I wrote at 4:30 am. I’d wake up with great topics in my head. After feeding Ollie and getting myself a cup of coffee, I’d be ready to start the day with my blog entry. For many years, I began writing long before the sun came up.
Now, a newly wed bride of eight months, I find late afternoon is the most relaxing time to put thoughts into words. I love the afternoon sun as it travels west. Looking out at the beauty of the gardens of Winterpast, the words tumble onto the screen. Oliver still snuggles at my feet, waiting for me to finish and give him his dinner as HHH catches up on the news of the day. It works well for our new family.
Something magical happens when I put pen to paper. I open up, breathe easier, and find my own truths in a place of honesty. As I write about my current life, visions of the future appear before my eyes. Writing from the heart gives a place for unexpected insights to grow. After a few months, you can look back on your own journey and plan your next moves.
It takes courage to be a writer. Sharing your own words creates vulnerability. Stay on course and own each sentence. Your life is yours and yours alone to share, not belonging to parents, children, or friends. It’s unique property and yours to share or keep private. You are the only one that can write the story of your life.
When you begin writing, be it journal or blog, write every single day. Don’t miss. Don’t put it off. Any good habit begins with repetition. Tell the truth. Don’t edit. Don’t hold back. Don’t change your voice to be perfect. Write as you talk. Write truth from your heart.
If you have trouble starting, begin with introductory questions during the first week. Answer any of these questions. Who are you are this moment? What do you hope to gain by journaling? When did you first realize you had something you needed to write down? Where do you find yourself in life? How did you end up where you are now? Why do you want to share? These questions are only examples of how to begin. Once you get started, you’ll find your own original questions that need answering.
Some days, the words fly out of my fingers onto the screen. Other days, I have nothing to say and need to work to find my words. On those days, I have googled “Journaling ideas for the month of X”. It’s not cheating but research. By reading journal topics, new ideas come to mind.
Remember to choose the place you write. Pick the perfect instruments for you to capture the story of your life as it unfolds. There’s no one but you to critique your story, spelling, or punctuation. In fact, you can also record your story if talking feels more comfortable.
April 8, 2020, I experienced a serious blast to the heart leaving me with embedded shrapnel in my soul. Writing helped find deep wounds as I began the healing process. The more I’ve written, the more completely I’ve healed. My medicine is words. A brilliant 5th grader once began her “A+” assignment with the words, “Writing is life.” A true writer can be any age.
Whatever you do today, think about your life story. What parts must you tell once more in your life? Get some paper. Get some ink. And please, please, please, just tell the story.
More tomorrow.