Starting the Writer’s Journey
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Posted by Girlosophy on Fri 4 November 2011
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Beginning anything is often the hardest part. With writing, starting with the blank page or screen has been an obstacle for writers the world over!
You have to get past the ‘blank-ness’ though and see it more as a fun challenge or activity. You have to see writing (in your journal, on your laptop etc) as something that you like to do, rather than a chore you must do. Which brings us to…
Important Rule # 1: Judge not thyself!
I would like to stress that it is important not to be judgmental. Being “non-judgmental” means you should try to bring your most neutral headspace to the task. Try not to tell yourself things like: “I can’t write anything, I’m hopeless … I can’t even spell”. It is also not helpful to say things to yourself like: “I’m not creative or talented, why would I be able to write?” Nor: “I can’t remember what happened yesterday, I can’t keep a journal!” For the purposes of creativity, saying “NO” to yourself is a “NO-NO”, and it only holds you back.
Rather, hold the attitude that it is all about trying something fun and new and sticking with it for a bit. This is what I’m really getting at when I talk about “the process”.
“The rewards of writing are invaluable and transformational: a reminder that the greatest creativity happens when we don’t judge or hold back its natural progression.”
Not many people are simply gifted at writing – although they certainly exist – and even fewer of these are brilliant without any application whatsoever. I absolutely do not consider myself gifted, however, this has never prevented me from enjoying the process of writing.
The less I judge myself while I write (and about what I write) in my journal, the more I tend to flow with things and just relax. When I write in this state, I can often manifest tons of stuff without even trying, which – regardless of quality, grammar, etc. – is astonishing to re-read later.
The hidden bonus of writing is the learning curve. The rewards are invaluable and transformational: a reminder that the greatest creativity happens when we don’t judge or hold back its natural progression. I hope to inspire anyone who is reading this with the idea that whatever is recorded within, say, your journal’s pages has the potential to lead you to a greater understanding of who you are.
In turn, this self-knowledge leads to a greater understanding of others. It’s my firm belief that this is the true purpose of why we are here.
Photographer: Geraldine Mills
