Resilient Reflections: Why You Should Write Part 1

Why You Should Consider Writing a Tool in Your Toolbox

We consume a massive amount of information over the course of a day—but how much of it do we actually remember, much less use in any meaningful way?

-Becky Kane

Becky continues by stating: “The key to learning is to stop passively consuming information and start actively engaging with the ideas we encounter.”

Think about the student who writes down what her professor says verbatim, versus the student who summarizes the information in her own words and then connects it back to concepts she’s learned before: Who do you think learns more?

“The practice of writing can enhance the brain’s intake, processing, retaining, and retrieving of information… it promotes the brain’s attentive focus … boosts long-term memory, illuminates patterns, gives the brain time for reflection, and when well-guided, is a source of conceptual development and stimulus of the brain’s highest cognition.”

So, what is the best way to start journaling? Is there an ideal time of day? How long should it take? How many pages? 

Forget about all that. Who cares? Does it matter? How you journal is much less important than why you are doing it: To get something off your chest. To have quiet time with your thoughts. To clarify those thoughts. To separate the harmful from the insightful. To make a commitment to your goals. There is no right way or wrong way. The point is just to do it.

Because most of us (at least those reading this) are no longer students, we need to be more creative in the way we learn. When we write, we create. When we write, we commit. When we write, we learn.

It is said that 42% of people who write down their goals, succeed. Versus the millions of people who have New Year’s resolutions they never reach (and never write down!). In fact, most, have fallen off their dream resolution by the end of the month. There’s a reason the gym is at its busiest in January!

If you are not sure about journaling yet or want to consider it a bit before making the pen plunge, here’s a quick sheet you can fill in if you’d like to make a start somewhere.

But at the end of the day, grab a pen and paper and just write. The health benefits are enormous…up next.

Use the template below to write a letter to yourself. Fill in the blank areas to help compose your letter. You can also set the date you write the letter and when you plan to read it again (although not necessary). This will allow you to check in with yourself on progress if you want. However, just writing a letter and never reviewing can be felt as a release. It’s all up to you!

Optional: Place letter in a self-addressed envelope and put it somewhere you can easily locate later. 

LETTER TO MYSELF 

Today's Date: 

I will read on: (put in a future date)

Dear Self:

I am writing this letter to remind you that you are ________________________________________________.

I am so proud to see how far you have come. I know you have experienced a lot of _____________________________________________ in your life, but do not let it stop you from reaching your goals. 

Remember you are important and __________________________________________. 

Do not forget that each day you are capable of ________________________________________.

Accept the mistakes you have made as learning experiences. Your story is still being written. 

Love yourself first and __________________________________________.

Do not give up on yourself, the best is yet to come. 

Love, Self 

Copyright 2018 K. Nicole Writing // www.knicolewriting.com