One of the hardest parts about being a writer is that because I’ve done it for a living, I can forget to do it for healing purposes. Those who write as their skill chose it because they love it. But they don’t just love it, they need it. We journal, we don’t vent. We text, we don’t call. We email, we don’t… call. We still keep up writing letters, greeting cards, and list out our grocery lists on paper.
The part I want to talk about is journaling. I forget to do it. Rather, I don’t forget, I instead feel too tired to. After a long day of writing for work I need a rest from my own thoughts. And that, my friends, is where things get difficult.
Writing is a huge outlet for me and helpful for my mental well-being. When I’ve used most of my words for this blog or other blogs I write for, I get wiped. That’s actually one reason I like this blog I’m doing for fun because it is a creative source for me and feels like I’m journaling. But what I’m talking about is true meditative journaling. The kind where I sit with my Zen music, light a candle or incense or both, and just write my heart out. Sometimes I cry. Many times, I just ramble and think on paper. If I’ve got a problem, which I usually do, then writing about it helps me find a solution.
Lately I have not done this. I get so used to writing all day on work-related projects that I don’t have anything left in me to write for my own self, in freedom with a flow of thoughts. So I’ve been caught in some unresolved binds as of late. Why? Because I’ve neglected writing them out and finding solutions to my problems. That’s why. I usually have success with this, but not recently. My journal has been collecting dust.
What can I recommend to anyone going through this? Well, do what I’m going to do:
Set the mood and make it a ritual.
That’s one thing I haven’t tried yet. I haven’t actually done a dedicated ritual. Sure, I have my warm light and music, sometimes over coffee, but usually I just open up my journal and write in silence. I do this randomly. Most times I wait until I have a problem I can’t stand before I start writing. What I’m advising here is to make it a non-negotiable practice. Whether you have something to write about or not, don’t wait for a problem to arise. Just show up every day for however many minutes. See what comes up. Keep the cleansing going. Because that’s what it is after all, a cleanse.
Will you try this with me?
I’m going to practice it starting today. I’m going to keep in mind that every day, no matter how big or small, things attach to me that need to be purged off and out. I think we all have that. Even if you’re home most of the day, there is usually something ailing you enough to write about. There is also something you’re grateful for that is worthy of being noted. Join me in this beautiful writing life we have and let’s do it for ourselves, too, not just our jobs.
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