Writing Challenge
From Introvert To Storyteller: A 30-Day Writing Journey For Authentic Self-Expression
Embark on a transformative 30-day writing journey to unleash your authentic self and become a powerful storyteller.
As one of my goals for 2024, I wanted to learn to share more about myself through my writing and give readers a better idea of who was behind my articles. While I believe I have made some headway on this already in January, there is a ton more progress that can be made. When brainstorming ideas, I thought of the trend of 30-day challenges and how that could be exactly what I need.
I love the idea of everyone sharing the same topic for 30 days straight, and I am excited about both the challenge and the opportunity to participate in this challenge. I plan to write about one thing every day for the next 30 days, and it would be AMAZING if you could follow along as a reader or even participate alongside me. I am truly excited to get this underway, and I hope you can learn more about me and also more about yourself.
This is a personal challenge I feel I need to partake in to expand my comfort zone and get better at sharing personal information about myself. Any reads that I get as a part of this will be an amazing bonus. Thank you for being a loyal reader, and I am excited to kick this thing off. Let me share the first writing prompt with all of you without further ado.
Prompt #1: List five things that really make you happy
- My wife. Hands down, my beautiful and amazing wife was the first “thing” that popped into my head. We have been together for over seven years and married for five years, and I can’t imagine my life without her. She is the single greatest change to my life, and I truly am blessed to have her on this journey of life. She has shaped me into the man I am today, and I am incredibly thankful for that. She is honestly one of the toughest and kindest souls I have ever met. She has an empathetic heart that I can’t even wrap my head around. I want to be just like her when I grow up. Lol.
- On a less serious and sappy note, the second thing that really makes me happy is a freshly brewed cup of coffee in the morning. Waking up can be challenging, and nothing is better than wrapping your hands around a warm mug and slowly sipping on this magical elixir. I need coffee every morning to even think about having a productive day. While that statement may be a bit troubling, that’s where I’m at, and I’m willing to let it stay that way. Lol. Coffee can be enjoyed in countless ways, and it is such a versatile drink. If you're hot, grab a warm cup and let it warm you to the core. If you’re cold, throw it over some ice; it will be just the refreshing drink you need.
- My dog Tiny. Tiny is a 13-year-old Australian Cattle/Lab mix, and she can bring me happiness in unexpected ways. My wife and I got her in Japan when a coworker of my wife’s had to leave quickly due to a medical emergency. Traveling with pets can be EXTREMELY expensive when doing it from overseas, and the cost can be especially high if it is last minute. Tiny was an unexpected addition to our family, and she has brought some color and personality to our lives. She acts just like the old lady that she is and can be humorously moody depending on the day.
She is an enigma of a dog as she doesn’t know how to play or do many normal dog things. When we first got her, I assumed she would know how to catch a tennis bowl, being she is half lab. We quickly discovered that was not the case, as when we tossed one to her, she let it hit her right in the nose. Chalking this up to a possible fluke, I attempted to toss one to her again, only for her to duck with intensity as if she were diving from a bullet. I thought. “Hmm. Ok. She can’t catch one in the air but surely must know how to fetch.” I tossed the ball down the hall, expecting her to go chasing after it. Instead, she just stared at me as if to say, “Are you going to go get that?”
Another oddity she does is she tries to play with her toys in secret. This is an improvement from when we got her, but it is still peculiar. She will secretly play with her stuffed animal if we are out of the room, but the moment she senses us, she abruptly stops. I assume it’s because she thinks she will get in trouble, but it is a bit odd, considering we constantly hand the toy right to her.
4. Travel. Travel is such an enriching and rewarding experience. I love seeing the different cultures and traditions of all the countries we visit. I could write an entire book on all of the rewards of travel, but I will keep it concise for today. Nothing has shaped my worldview more than traveling around the world. My wife and I were also blessed enough to live in Japan for three years, which was an incredible experience. I highly recommend anyone who is lucky enough to have the opportunity to travel to do it because I believe it transforms the way you view the world.
5. Sleep. This last one is a bit of an oddity, but I love sleep. The way it can nourish my body and mind is incredible. I try to do everything in my power to get a consistent 8 hours. I still remember, as a kid, kicking and screaming every time it was bedtime, and I look back and laugh at the naivety. Now, most days, I can’t wait to go to sleep because I know how restful and recharging it will be. A lack of sleep will make me a completely different person and one that I do not care for.
These five things bring me happiness, and I genuinely appreciate your reading. I sincerely hope you are able to join the 30-day journey, whether as a reader, writer, or both. I look forward to sharing more about myself in the coming days, and I believe this will be just the challenge I need to progress in my goal of becoming better at writing about myself. Catch y’all tomorrow!!
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