Not everyone is a writer. I understand that. But everyone is human, and as humans there is a certain amount of release that we can get, just from writing words on a page. Even if they’re not that “good”, or “skilled”. There’s something in writing that provides a sense of freedom. Freedom to say whatever it is we want or need to say, space to do it in private, and as much time as we need to craft the message just right so that it truly reflects how we feel and what we want to say. I imagine that’s what makes journaling such a popular and worthwhile activity to so many people in this world.
Yet even when it comes to journaling, there are a lot of people who feel weird or don’t see the point. I mean, it’s just you…talking to yourself…about…whatever it is you’re thinking or feeling. How is that adding anything extra into your life? And while I plan on writing about journaling someday and explaining exactly how awesome it is and all, I understand that point of view. What “wisdom” could you possibly impart upon yourself?
Don’t write to yourself
If this is a sticking point for you, I want to tell you, you’re not alone. And also, I want to tell you, that you can still take part in (and benefit from) retrospective writing. There is something about writing an honest-to-goodness letter to someone, someone who holds significance for you. You sit down in a quiet room in the middle of your life, and open your mind, letting the thoughts run out and dance together. You can be honest with yourself and with the person in ways that you may never have been able to manage before when you were face to face. And this separation will often afford you new lessons and perspectives, if you let it.
If you’re on board with me so far, you may ask, “but who would I write to? I don’t have anybody I need to tell anything to.” And I can understand where you’re coming from with that. Because if you felt the need to write someone a carefully handwritten letter, you would’ve done it already.
Writing a letter can be a portal to your inner thoughts, almost like a dream. And the recipient of your letter matters. It filters your thoughts, gives you different memories to draw upon. In short, there are many specific people in your life that you probably have a lot leftover to say and learn from, you just haven’t thought of it that way. So I’m going to help you.
Letters can connect this world
I’m going to be giving you ideas and prompts in the upcoming weeks, of letters that you can and should write. Most of these letters, I have written myself, at one time or another, and I’ve found them helpful in many ways.
Some of these letters you may keep to yourself, because you find them too personal, but I encourage you, for the ones that are kind, and beautiful, see if you can find the muster to send them, to share them.
Letters, writing honestly about important and beautiful things that you’ve shared, can help connect the world. I keep a bin of handwritten letters in my home, from many different people. These people had no idea the effect that these letters would have on me, or that I would keep them for years to come, but I do. I read them when I’m feeling lonely, or worried or like I don’t matter. One letter can make a difference in a person’s life, it could show them that just once, someone was really paying attention. That they helped someone, or inspired them, or made them smile. And this is a legitimate way to change the world.
Some of the letters that I suggest will just be for yourself, but with a twist. And when it comes to those letters, I suggest you keep those. Keep them, for many years to come, just as you would if someone else had sent them to you, because I promise you, they will matter just as much.
In preparation
But for now, just for today, I want you to consider the value of the written word. Have you ever received a handwritten letter or note? Have you ever written one? Let us know any stories you have about the scraps of paper in your closet down in the comments below!
