“Write.  Rewrite.  When not writing or rewriting, read.  I know of no shortcuts.” —Larry L. King, WD

Looking through some of my old writing today – oh, how I enjoy putting pen to paper.

My life is chronicled through an unorganized collection of notepads, journals, and scraps of paper all revealing little tidbits of my head space at that point in time.  I date my work; it makes for a much more interesting reread.

My writing consists of many different formats; stories, a series of questions, travel journals, poems, lists, doodles; really just whatever the hell I’m thinking or feeling at the moment comes out.  The underlying theme: they’re all just thoughts.

So why do I write?  It’s free fucking therapy.  What a better way to release your emotions and frustrations or introspect.

Having a bad day?  Dealing with a conundrum?  Boy problems?  Or are you feeling creative?  These are all excellent reasons for a jot down in the notebook or laptop – whatever blows your dress up.  The beauty of personal writing  is no one else will ever read it unless you’re foolish enough to start a blog or something.

I wanted to share with you a series I began a couple years ago.  When rereading these, they reflect a positive mindset at the time and continue to do so.  These are my ‘things that make me happy’ lists.  I pick a letter of the alphabet and make a list of things beginning with that letter, super simple; however, they yield an awesome amount of power.  As I write these, I can be found smiling.  As I reread them, I am reminded just how amazing life is.

I shared these happy things with my sister yesterday.  She shared with me a piece of my mother’s writing I had not known. REALLY?  We truly are our parent’s children.

 So, it’s my birthday tomorrow.  My wish, well, if I tell you, it won’t come true, so instead let me encourage you to take a moment, sit down, and write something…anything.

Write about your day.  Ask yourself some questions you’ve been pondering, then write those down.  Write a list of things that make you happy.

Revisit these pieces and feel free to rewrite them but most importantly reread them.  You’ll be amazed how powerful it is to look back at something you’ve created and see how much you’ve grown since then (or maybe you haven’t and you can do a little more reflecting).

So 86 the gifts, my friends.   This year for my birthday let’s:

Read. Write. Reread. Rewrite

It’s your life, right?