Starting a writing practice
Have you thought about starting to journal? What prevents you? I have tried various writing practices. It took me a while to find one that I liked enough to stick with. Here are some ideas from my experience over the years.
First, I recommend that you actually write by hand in cursive. Cursive writing helps with the flow of thoughts, among other benefits (Mentalfloss article). However, if handwriting is hard or you don’t have time to sit down, then try another method. I also like using dictation and saving the notes on my phone. I don’t like typing on the computer as much, although I know others who use that as their primary method of writing.
Next, consider starting small. When my book group read The Artist’s Way, I did the morning pages. When we had completed the book, I was only able to keep up the morning pages for a short time. For me, it was too many pages. The writing felt like more pressure instead of a help.
I usually write in the morning. I’m am less likely to forget or miss a day. When I wrote in the evening, I set an alarm on my phone. Write at a time that works in your schedule and when you can be consistent. My current goal is daily. Sometimes, my goal has been only weekly. This blog is a monthly thing.
I started my last journal project with a 30-day challenge. You could try it for a month, too. If a month seems like a lot, maybe try it for 2 weeks.
Some people really like having a beautiful journal. I’m currently using a spiral notebook because that was what I had on hand. When it is full, I may get a better-quality journal.
Now, what to write? Here are a few ideas. If none of these sound good to you, you could come up with your own or consult one of the many online resources and books on this topic.
In the evening, write 3 things that went well that day.
Write 5 things you are grateful for.
Set a timer (10-20 minutes) and write down your worries and concerns. When they come up during the day or when you are trying to sleep, tell your brain, “This is not the time for processing worries. We will write it down in the worry journal when it’s the appointed time.”
In the morning, spend 10-20 minutes on a reflection and intention practice. I wish I could credit the blog where I found this list of questions. When I looked again, I didn’t find it despite looking through my browser history and trying a variety of search. Apologies to that writer!
What is my greatest concern at present?
What did I learn about myself yesterday?
What was I successful in yesterday?
What am I grateful for?
What is my intention for today?
