One of the things on my ‘to do’ list today was to write an article for a local magazine, Valley Life. I’ve been writing short pieces for over a year now in the monthly magazine. I enjoy the challenge of finding a new topic to speak about.
It is a great opportunity to write about different topics that could prompt people to consider alternative methods of support. It’s also been really good for my confidence in my writing. Having a deadline, considering different ideas and putting my spin on things has made me think a lot about what I write. I want to offer something helpful and interesting. Also something that reads easily. Busy people might not have time to sink into a long article. So I also have to think about making every word count. It’s great for getting me to say what I mean in as few words as possible.
When I decided to write my blog I felt I could manage a daily blog for at least 30 days. After all, I could do 500 words for the magazine. I just had to do 500 different (& meaningful) words each day. Although I had written my workshop manuals as well as other training material the blog would have a different focus. It’s not all about me in a sense. That’s the point about being able to write something that other people will read. So I began with a desire to see if I could do 30 days talking about things that other people might find interesting. Finding myself on the 330th day I’m rather awed at what I’ve achieved. And there is plenty more blogging to be done.
Somewhere along the line my blog has also become a book. I’ve gained the confidence to expand my writing into a much longer piece.
The best thing about completing my book has been the step I took out of my comfort zone when I decided to write more. Because my ideas have expanded. My voice has grown. The subjects I write about have become opportunities for me to reflect on my day. Equally they have been prompts that I hope have inspired others to think about their day. I’ve become able to describe myself as a writer. And feel comfortable about doing that. A skill that might never have been given space has emerged and I love it. So my writing continues.
To write came up a couple of times today in another way. Having had two bouts of clinical depression in my past I value that my counsellor suggested that I write a journal. I was uncertain if it would help but when I tried it I was surprised. Capturing my feelings and thoughts, even in brief notes, seemed to release them. I could identify a pattern to my moods. The words helped me to find solutions. Eventually I stopped writing in my journal. I guess I was fed up, “cured” or ran out of steam. I’m not sure which. Except that I was conscious I didn’t want to share those words with anyone else. For a little while I wrote letters instead that I burned or threw in the river. How interesting that I didn’t continue at that time with something I love doing now.
That’s the best part of today. Realising that I love writing so much that I don’t want to stop.
I’ve been learning to live an intuitive life over the last dozen years. Part of that has been letting myself move out of the limitations I have placed on myself. Doing all those things I believed I couldn’t do. Trying all sorts of new (or forgotten) skills. Flowing with the activities that make me feel passionate about life. Twice in my earlier life I’ve been to the point where my life had lost all meaning. Swapping into an intuitive life has made me recognise that it’s up to me. I can do what I love and have a full life. Or I can stay safe inside my self imposed restrictions and miss out. So I expect the writing to continue for a long time. Who wouldn’t want to do what they love?
Day 330 of my blogging challenge.