Sunday Guest Blog: 10 Simple Ways to Use Writing to Change Your Life

An article by Kay Mulcahy (see author information at the bottom).

Want to simplify and enhance your life?  Pick up a pen and paper and start writing!  That’s right, we’re going old school, because there is something so satisfying in the art of writing that we are losing in this tech driven world.   Our brains can use a different skill set with the pen rather than a key board and we can bring out our more creative side with the act of writing.  Besides that, sometimes I need a break from a key board, and as writing continues to lose it’s foot hold you can usher in the next trendy thing.  Writing!

Here are 10 examples of how the act of writing can change your life.  Seriously. 
1. To Do Lists:  To do lists are perfect to help you focus your day.  They break things down into doable chunks and it feels so satisfying to cross things off the list as you complete a task.   Whenever I start feeling overwhelmed with what is ahead of me, I make my list and focus in on getting things accomplished one thing at a time.  Once a few things are ticked off the list, I am on a roll, and it turns into a very productive day.

2. Gratitude Lists: This is something that can truly change how you view your world.  When you make it a regular practice to sit down and list out 5 things you are grateful for, you realize how lucky and blessed you are.  And this makes you happier and more content with your life, which makes your day flow smoother.  So give this a try, especially if you are in a bad mood. Find your gratitude and see if that doesn’t help uplift your mood.

3. Shopping Lists: Want to spend less money and time at the store? Go in with a list and buy just what is on the list.  When I have to stop into the grocery store after school for a few things I always write them down.  This way I don’t forget what I went in there for (yes I am at that age),  and I also don’t waste time wandering the store buying things I don’t need because I’m tired and hungry.  Inevitably someone will stop and talk to me and if I don’t have my list I have no clue what I am in there for after a few distractions.  So make that list and you will be in and out of there in no time, with more money in your wallet.

4. Journaling: I start each day journaling my thoughts and feelings.  I also include positive affirmations to get myself in a good frame of mind.  I will actually write “today will be a good day because I will bring kindness and love to everyone I meet.”   Might sound a little cheesy, but my days flow pretty smoothly and people I encounter are better served because of it.  Another thing journaling does is it helps you build trust and faith.  You can go back and read where you were a year ago, all your fears and worries and how you managed to get through them just fine.  So today’s worry is made a bit smaller when you look how far you have come and what you have survived.

5. Resentments:  Yes people annoy us, unless we live alone and never leave the house or turn on the tv, people will annoy us.  If I can’t let it go,  I write about it.  I put down what offense they committed against me, and why it bothered me so much, and then I look at my part in the situation.  Was I at all selfish, self seeking or dishonest?  Was I fearful?  Were my motives in the right place.  When it comes right down to it. If I am annoyed or upset,  it is something within me that needs to be addressed and writing it out helps me get at what the issue is within myself.  I can then come up with how I want to handle what happened in a calmer, more rational manner.

6. Letters I Never Send: Ever have those times you are so upset about a person, but you know if you talk to them it might make things worse?  And you feel totally stuck.  Sometimes things like this can keep me up at night, and until I do something,  I continue to toss and turn. So I get up and write.  I write a letter I never intend to send and get out all my anger and frustration.  It is amazing how this act can bring me a sense of peace and I can put my pen down and go to bed.

7. Letters I Do Send: Anyone born before the internet became really big loves to receive letters and cards in the mail.  It is quite an event to get a personal letter these days. So if you have grandparents, a favorite aunt, or you want to surprise your mom pop a heartfelt card in the mail to them.

8. Thank You Notes: A dying art it seems…but a very important one that says a lot about you as a person.  If anyone  gives you a gift they deserve a hand written thank you note.  You will impress them with your manners and kindness.

9. Blog Articles: Really love to write?  Start a blog. I did and it’s a lot of fun.  Web sites like word press make it so easy to get your stuff posted.  Never know, you might be the next famous blogger!

10. Random Love Notes: Part of keeping a romance alive is showing interest in your partner and making sure they feel loved and desired.  A sticky note on the mirror with a little ‘I love you” or a special little note they might find in their lunch bag or coffee cup,  is a great (and easy)  way to show them how much you care.  A few parents do this for their kids in their school lunches and I can tell you the kids BEAM!  Sometimes I will get a pen and paper and have the child write a little note back to mom…”thank you for a great lunch, I love you too”   What an easy way to bring a smile to someone’s face.

 

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Author Information:

Kay Mulcahy hales from New Hampshire, where she has worked at as both a teacher and an administrator. Passionate about doing what is right for kids, and modeling and teaching kindness, Kay has spent her entire career working at the same school, which she loves. Children exude such a positive, innocent energy, and being around those uplifting souls all day is such a blessing. After working in the education field for 28 years, Kay is currently on a one year sabbatical,  as she pursues an advanced degree in Leadership, Ethics and Change.  While on sabbatical she is living in Florida with her spouse and their two adorable cats. When not studying and writing,  Kay enjoys practicing yoga, kayaking, biking, and spending time at the beach where she finds  true solace and peace..  For more soul inspiring posts make sure you check out Kay’s facebook page,  Soul Journey and her web site www.souljourneywisdom.com

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