At the start of a new year it's only natural that we seek out ways to improve ourselves. One of the best ways to begin this journey is by taking measures to figure out what makes you happy. What do you like to do? How do you express yourself? Do you have an outlet? This week, student and writer, Olivia Hancock, is sharing with us a bit about what it is she likes to do, and how it can help you
too!
photo by @bbranmarie
I’ve been passionately writing ever since I learned how to spell and could hold a pencil in my hand. During my elementary and middle school years, you could constantly find me drafting short stories about any and everything. Writing is a part of who I am and my passion for the pen has led me to want to pursue a career in journalism. Though I’m still a college student, I’m constantly working on fine-tuning my skills and finding opportunities to help me fulfill my ultimate journalist dreams. To date, my writing has already taken me on a journey that has allowed me to contribute articles to platforms such as PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT, Her Campus, The Life Currency, and xoNecole. Writing is a personal and professional outlet that has provided me with countless benefits.
@prettygirlssweat
Below, I’m giving you a rundown on why I continue to write and why you should incorporate it into your lifestyle too:
1. Expressing your thoughts on paper (or on the computer) is therapeutic.
I remember someone saying to me once, “When you’re angry towards someone, spill your thoughts in an email but don’t send it.” When you’re feeling overwhelmed with emotion, detail how you’re feeling by writing it out. It’s a method to release those thoughts that are cluttering your mind. Doing this helps me feel better and assess the situations I’m going through so I can deal with them accordingly.
2. It’s an outlet for your creative thoughts.
From ideas for blog posts or potential business ideas, I scribble every creative thought I have down in a notebook or the Notes app on my laptop. When a good idea hits you, you need to write it down so you can build upon it later. Looking back through your written notes can help you develop your thoughts from mere ideas to large-scale ventures.
3. Writing can take shape in many different forms.
What I love most about writing is that there are so many different mediums of doing it. While I absolutely enjoy doing my deadline oriented writing work, I also enjoy expressing myself through journaling. Whether it’s taking a moment to reflect on your day or quickly jotting down affirmations, pick which aspect of writing you enjoy most and engage in it regularly.
4. It can be used it as a method for self-improvement.
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to improve your daily life and writing can help you with this. Penning your goals and resolutions is a way to track your progress and hold yourself accountable for the things you want to accomplish.
Be sure to let me know how you plan to incorporate writing into your life this year! You can connect with me and keep up with my work on Twitter and Instagram at @oliviahancock_.
We'll see you back here next week!
