This morning I woke up tired, headachy, and full. Yesterday was, after all, Thanksgiving. And I cooked for 12 people, which is enough to give anybody an exhaustion hangover. As I stood in the kitchen, sipping my coffee, I thought that I'd skip my morning routine of writing first thing. Because, well, I didn't feel like doing anything more than slumping over the newspaper at the kitchen table. But then I told myself I would feel better if I wrote. So I dragged my tired ass up the stairs to my office and my journal. And after about a page of writing, I realized something.
I was beginning to feel like myself again.
I can feel the writing bringing me back to myself, I wrote.
And isn't this a most wonderful gift?
All you have to do is write. It doesn't matter what you write on, or with, or where you write or how, or even what you write about. All you have to do is write and you'll find your way back to yourself. And if you do this regularly, well then, miracles might even happen.
It doesn't matter if you write for a living, writing for a business, write with the hopes of someday publishing, or write for your own pleasure, I believe firmly that establishing a regular writing habit will serve you well. It actually doesn't even matter if you want to be an artist, or a dictator, or the best barista on the planet, I still think that a regular writing habit will serve you well.
Because it will bring you back to yourself. Again and again and again. And I think it is one of our strangest and dearest foibles as humans that we need to be brought back to ourselves over and over again. For most of us, this is a lifelong quest, to remember who we are and come back to it. Some people never figure it out. But I believe we writers and creative types have an advantage–because through our creations, we are constantly figuring it out. And that is why we return to the page again and again and again.
And now, please excuse me while I go eat some leftovers.
I'd love to hear how your writing habits serve you.
Photo by clarita, from MorgueFile.
ayala
I love this post! I find a way back to myself when I am writing! Thank you, charlotte .
Roy
Howdy Charlotte:
wonderful post! And all those folks over for Thanksgiving. You are brave. :) Hey, nice upgrade to your blog, by the way.
All my best, Roy
Charlotte Dixon
Ayala, thanks for stopping by and glad you liked the post.
Roy, I’m glad you like the new look. There will be more tweaks soon!
Melissa Donovan
This post made me smile because I know the feeling all too well and it’s so true — writing does bring us back to ourselves. What a perfect way to show it!
Charlotte Dixon
Glad to bring a smile to your face, Melissa! And since I wrote this post, I’ve written my way back to myself several times–funny how holidays have a way of taking us away from ourselves.
J.D. Frost
You are right, Charlotte. It appears more and more likely Oregon and Auburn will meet in Glendale. We both have a huge game before that happens. A lot of “experts” are picking South Carolina to knock off the Tigers this weekend. Of course, I’m hoping Auburn kicks the Gamecocks out of the barnyard. And I know anything can happen when the Ducks and Beavers tangle to decide who’s king of the pond. I hope we both come through this weekend still looking at Glendale.
Christi Corbett
Charlotte,
12 people! You are an amazing woman to handle all that with style and still get out of bed the next day!
I really like this post, and your new blog look.
Christi Corbett
Don
How true. Writing not only brings brings you back to yourself, but I find that not writing is a sure recipe for depression and angst! So, now after reading this delightful post I think I’ll go and write me something!
Charlotte Dixon
J.D., I’ve got fingers crossed that both Auburn and Oregon win this weekend, because that would be the best match-up for the championship. Whatever happens, it sure has been a fun season!
Christi, thanks! It really was fun cooking turkey dinner for all those people but I will admit it was exhausting, too. Glad you like the new look, more tweaks coming soon!
Don, Oh you are so correct. Not writing is the worst…and I’m glad this post inspired you to go write!
Walter
Writing serves as my creative outlet; also it’s my way of figuring out the mystery of life. My questions i put it in writing, so as my thoughts about the things affecting me. :-)
Charlotte Dixon
Walter, Yes, I love how we rely on writing for many different things–a creative outlet as well as therapy and way to access knowledge. That is why writing is so compelling!
Leisa A. Hammett
And, thank you, again!
Carole Jane Treggett
Charlotte, I’ve just discovered this post now. I was really moved how you encourage us to return to our writing so we can return to ourselves,again and again. How very poignant and true. It’s such a privilege to be called to pick up a pen or tap on the keyboard and persevere on this journey, this quest of figuring it all out as we write along.
Charlotte Dixon
Carole Jane, I love the way you describe writing as a privilege. Yes, it is! And I feel so privileged that it is how I get to spend my days…