When was the last time you sat down and wrote solely on paper? The last time you sat down for an hour, pen in hand, ready to scribble your thoughts without sending a-email or voice note about them first? Yeah, I can’t remember either.
The digital advances over the last few years have changed our lives so much. With just one device, you can call a relative overseas, text a friend who lives next door or even video call strangers on the Internet.
These are all great things, but it has meant we have left the age-old tradition of writing behind a little bit.
Writing in any form gives us an opportunity to connect. It allows us to connect with a friend, a new reader or perhaps ourselves as we think and reflect on our lives in that moment. It also enables us to take our worries and fears outside of our head and put them somewhere else.
So, how do we get into writing?
Diary entry
A common way to start writing is by treating it like a personal diary. This means writing, ‘’Hey diary’’ (or something a little less cliché) and talking about your day, what you did and how it felt.
Now, this may seem a little hard as everyday is nearly the same. But it can be a fun way to unwind and it is especially helpful on those days that seem extra difficult.
Letter writing
If there is one good thing about lockdown, it’s getting a delivery. Whether it is new clothes or a work from home gadget, the joy of seeing post with your name on it never gets old.
So, what could be better than getting a handwritten letter from someone you love? There is something personal and special about the time and effort that goes into cultivating a letter.
It can be a simple ‘’hello, I miss you’’, or a ‘’hope you’re keeping well’’, but it is bound to make the receiver’s day.
Gratitude journal
Another thing you can do is keep a gratitude journal. Gratitude journaling is the habit of listing or recording things that you are grateful for on a regular basis.
In essence, you are rewiring your brain to focus more on the positive aspects of your life and build up a wall against negative situations.
It also helps you to appreciate things that you might take for granted, like having a cup of tea made for you or a nice walk.
It can be hard to get into writing, especially after a long time. Treat it like a fun way to express yourself and soon enough, you’ll find the thoughts are overflowing faster than you can write them down.
Leona Kenny
Image Credit: Marcos Paulo Prado On Unsplash