the importance of writing
More than drawing or painting I find myself reaching for writing more and more these days.
When I wake up in the morning I have to write what I need to do that day. When I get into the studio my first task is to sit with a hot drink and write my priorities and what I’m feeling. I’ve realised the importance of keeping a journal whilst travelling and did so religiously after realising how rewarding it was. I keep a personal journal which I try to write in everyday. I even write on my paintings! I need to write out my stream of consciousness to pull sense out of the mess in my head. I have a notebook for everything it seems! Without a doubt it’s helped massively.
There are so many reasons you might write, organisation and note-taking, are obvious reasons. But for creatives specifically, it’s a useful tool to keep reflecting on your own practice as well as channel your ideas and emotions.
If you don’t write at all, or you want to but don’t know where to even start, I’m here to give you a rather big nudge. So I’ve written a few tips and reasons from my own experience. Hope they encourage you!
clarity and control:
The main reason I write is for some sense of clarity and control over my thoughts. My brain runs a mile a minute, I have so much to do and emotions that fluctuate seemingly every second. Writing helps me focus my thoughts. It quietens the mind and helps me channel ideas and feelings. I can prioritise what I need to get done that day without forgetting ideas and things I want to do in the future.
pen to paper:
Sure you can write anything in your phone nowadays, and if thats your only option and you need to get something down right there and then absolutely do it. But there is something about writing with pen to paper that allows you to focus so much more. I was listening to a recent podcast by Dr Chatterjee and he described writing with pen to paper is much more beneficial because it seems as though the pace that which your hand can write helps to focus your mind. You seem to reap the benefits of whatever you’re writing much more effectively. You also don’t have the distraction of notifications which is a plus. So I’d encourage you to transition to a pen to paper form of writing if you are able but using your phone is still a great way to begin!
start small and easy:
Don’t be so hard on yourself. You don’t need to journal everyday, or write essays. Start small and start simple. Write one thing down a week and build up from there. Or schedule in 5 minutes for writing and reflection. No-one is judging you. It’s purely for yourself.
perfectionism:
If finding the perfect prettiest notebook and pen, and writing in the neatest way possible is going to help with your writing consistency then go for it! However, most of us are are messy creatures, our emotions fluctuate rapidly or you get a creative idea out of nowhere and you need to get it down. Just get it down. Don’t stop yourself from writing because it’ll look messy or you didn’t have the perfect day or you’ve been writing in black pen the whole time and now you only have a blue pen. This intimate space is for you and you alone to see. We’re all human, we’re chaotic and real and messy and up and down and everywhere. Just get it down in any form and you won’t be sorry.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. There are so many more things I could’ve said but I thought I’d keep it fairly short and sweet for now. If you’ve been thinking about writing more I highly encourage you to pick up a pen and paper and just give it a go.
Ameerah x