3 Ways to Tap into The Power of Writing
“A word after a word after a word is power.” — Margaret Atwood
Like art therapy, the act of expressive writing packs a powerful punch with its therapeutic benefits.
Not only can a routine writing practice benefit your overall health by reducing stress and improving cognitive skills, but it can also help with emotional healing and grief processing.
But sitting down to write can often prove more difficult than it might seem. It’s a creative process, and while it is mentally stimulating, it can also be frustrating, especially when you attempt to write and draw blanks.
Instead of giving up on writing altogether, try a different approach. There are several ways to discover your inner writer, and with a little perseverance, patience, and adaptability, you’ll be well on your way to utilizing the power of the written word.
Here are three ways you can access the untapped power of writing in your own life.
1. Journal for Self Expression
Tap into the power of writing for self-expression by taking your journal beyond the limits of a daily recap. When most people think of journaling, it connotes writing in a diary summarizing the day’s events.
But a powerful journaling practice is one in which you free-write, or “brain dump” anything that comes to mind — from feelings, thoughts, and moments that are happy, sad, and all that’s in between.
Journaling can elevate you to a higher zone of self-expression, where you can powerfully engage in creative thought and reap the rewards of art therapy.
When you’re at liberty to pour out your feelings in a judgment-free space, something magically exhilarating happens.
If you’re struggling with topics to write about, try using journal prompts for inspiration.
2. Engage in Creative Storytelling
While the art of storytelling gains plenty of recognition for being beneficial in engaging an audience, we often overlook the rewards of storytelling for the narrator.
When you use writing to tell stories — whether fiction or nonfiction — you are flexing your imagination’s muscles and allowing your mind to wander. When practiced routinely, this improves memory, provides a portal to self-discovery, and allows you to relax.
Think of the types of stories you love to hear, and try to re-create your own. Creative writing may come naturally to you, or it may not. But with practice, an open mind, and a little less self-judgment, you’ll soon discover how it feels to lose yourself for a moment in your own storytelling.
3. Write to Build Your Legacy
Stories are the building blocks of society; through stories that are passed on overtime, humans pass on knowledge, experience, culture, and history.
Writing a book about your own life experiences, or those of someone you love, is an impactful way to pass on a timeless story for future generations. And with self-publishing on the rise, there aren’t any gatekeepers to prevent you from telling your story.
You can write your legacy and keep it within your family, or share it with the world. Chances are, your story and life experiences will inspire and guide others on a similar path.
Think of a story you’d like to pass on. Maybe it’s a memoir or a collection of generational stories. It’s okay to dream as small, or as big, as you want. The process of jotting your experiences down can be freeing, and provide you with a wealth of self-awareness and new perspectives.
Everyone has a story — why not share yours?
Whether you use expressive writing by journaling, storytelling, book writing, or your own creative way — incorporate writing into your daily practice, and discover how powerful the written word can truly be.
