I like to write. I write this very blog, I write in a notebook, a journal, on post-its, and sometimes the writing turns to doodles or writing on my iPad (Penultimate, great app). I take notes, write in the margins of books, underline ideas or try to come up with new ideas for blog posts, writing prompts, or concepts to use in my class.
I love pens, notebooks, journals, and I like to be somewhat organized.
So, from time to time I am told that writing is therapeutic and that it is also helpful to remember, recall moments, and process various events that occur in life.
Did you know that journaling, or participating in a writing group can actually be beneficial to your health?
Yep. It can.
Journaling can occur when you participate in a writing group, or it can be an individual activity with just you, a pen, and paper. It is also one of the most easily accessible types of therapy, writing, if you will. Using a notebook, pen, pencils, being decorative with your notebook, heck, even using technology for journaling or writing can be fun.
Writing can help with personal growth. When you write you can use creative expression, it gives a sense of empowerment, and even control over a situation you might be recalling. Writing is powerful. Writing can change lives.
So, how do you start writing?
Grab a diary or journal. You can get very creative and buy something fancy, or you can just grab an inexpensive notebook. Using a diary or journal to jot down ideas can be helpful. Sometimes we have a variety of things running through our head at one time–it can be overwhelming and it can be a challenge to remember certain moments. Try to write about the day, a certain moment, memory, or event.
Focusing on something specific is key–you can record events or moments as they occur, or you can also think about memories from the past. It is helpful to record things that have deeper meaning–expressing things that might be difficult to put into words (speaking, saying)–writing those things can be easier than speaking. Using expressive writing can be healing.
Group settings are a little different than writing individually–for example, participating in a writing group can also be a way to meet others who have similar backgrounds or experiences. Finding a group can be a way to also show personal growth, creative expression, empowerment, and control.
With a writing group, there might be prompts. A writing prompt is a statement or statements that focus on a topic or an issue that sometimes are followed by questions. I’ve had the privilege of creating two ten-week creative writing prompts for writing groups at the VA. In the group, the focus is the prompt, which varies, but also allows the participants to think about, interact with, and analyze the situation.
Sometimes in the group there is a time limit for writing, and as an individual you can spend as little or as much time as you want writing. That is the beauty of it all–timed writing can be a good thing, and it can also be a goal you set for yourself.
Goals are key–you can write for a certain time each day. You can decide where to write and how long you will spend on writing. One concept to consider is why you write–for me, writing helps me get my ideas out, it is a safe place for me to talk about issues and concerns that I have as a military spouse and caregiver.
Other things to consider when writing…
- What do you want to write about? For a long time I knew I wanted to write, or at least start a blog. I had all sorts of ideas about topics, or a theme for a blog, but it finally occurred to me (light bulb!) that the perfect theme, or topic would be the journey with Memphis.
- Why do you want to write? For me, I write because it helps me have a voice and provide a place where people can learn about veterans, service dogs, life, family, and sometimes the highs and lows of military culture. I write because it helps me understand Sam’s experiences as well, and I hold onto the hope that our story, our journey, could help others.
- Reflect or review on what you write. Take time to review your thoughts, your words, and investigate what where your mind goes. Do you have something in particular that you enjoy writing about?
- Don’t worry about how well you write! The important thing with writing is that it makes sense to you, and that what you want to put down on paper or the screen is what you want to say/write. Write what comes naturally.
- Find a time and place to write. I like to write at home, mostly. Sometimes finding a quiet place or having music on in the background is a motivator for writing.
Writing keeps me going. I enjoy writing, and maybe some of you do too! I’m thankful every single day that I have the opportunity to write this blog. It has been a huge blessing. <3
Sometimes all you need is a little bit of coffee and a quiet working place.