I can't remember where I read it but I remember reading about how in order to become a better writer you need jot down all your thoughts, everyday. Everything and anything that goes through your mind, the good and bad. In a way it's therapeutic, especially for those with overactive minds. And I'm not afraid to admit I overanalyze everything.
The other tip they suggested was to write a daily journey with "Today I noticed that..." and so on. I remember being hesitant to try out this method because my day to day life isn't all that extraordinary. But I was amazed with how much it helped improve my writing. Granted, I haven't felt the need to share every thought that I've jotted but eventually I've noticed that it is helping the words flow much easier.
I've decided to combine this observation method with the photos I've taken. It sounds a little silly but I have so many photos that I have kept stock piled on my laptop. There's really no purpose for them other than the fact that I enjoy looking at them because they are of people I've met and places I've been. This thought process has essentially helped me appreciate the different aspects of my life, big or small.
I recently read an article called "You'll Never Be Famous -- And That's O.K." from the New York Times. It was extremely thought provoking and I encourage everyone to read it:
Extraordinary lives look like the norm on the internet. Yet the idea that a meaningful life must be or appear remarkable is not only elitist but also misguided...
The most meaningful lives, I’ve learned, are often not the extraordinary ones. They’re the ordinary ones lived with dignity.
So, just like that I'm going to start writing something everyday (or at least try). It might be four paragraphs long or three sentences. Who knows but I'm going to write it down gosh darnit.
Today I noticed that...
a little bit of kindness goes a long way. We wake up in the morning and we have a choice, a choice to either let the day control how we feel or take charge and own every one of our actions.
Last night around 4:30 a.m. my brother was in the bathroom coughing hysterically. He had been fighting a cold the past week and it had become a normal routine for him wake in the middle of the night in a coughing fit. Rather than roll over in my bed like I usually do, I made the effort to get up and give him some cough medicine. It was a small gesture but the next morning, I could tell it meant a lot to him that I wanted to help him feel better.
A few hours later, my sister was so kind as to let her half golden retriever/husky pup, Tucker, pounce on me after finally slowly dozing back to sleep. Yes, when she initially woke up I was extremely agitated. But she asked me to go on a walk with her and Tucker because she didn't want to go alone. My immediate thought was "Hell no it's Sunday morning, this girl needs her sleep" but the more I thought about it, I knew that it would essentially start the day off right. We ended up having some great quality time to catch up on everything that's been going on in our lives and it was a nice way to start the day.
There's no moral to this story other than the fact that it's good to make that little extra effort. It might be easier (i.e. roll over in your bed and continue to sleep) but it also goes a long way showing the people in your life that you care.
- - daily thoughts over - -
Hope you're having a great Sunday xx