I'll go out and admit it right away: I am one of those people taking a creative writing class in college. I am well aware that many might view this as a cop-out of taking a "real class" but what I've learned in my classes so far has turned out to have benefit me already.
My professor gave us a semester long assignment and that was to write everyday. No matter what you are doing, no matter what it is you want to write, you pull out a small pocket notebook and jot down some thoughts.
I'll admit, at first I was a bit annoyed with this. I had to do this everyday? But what if I forgot? What if I had nothing to write? What if I didn't want to write?
Being my stubborn self, I didn't write anything in the notebook for the next two days. But finally, on the third day, I gave in a wrote down a line.
If I knew what to do with my life, it wouldn't be worth living.
Cheesy, I know. Slap that on an inspiration poster or tattoo on a hipster's arm but that's what I wrote. And, to be honest, it felt pretty good.
Ever since, I've carried it around and written about anything that peaks my interest. It could be about the trees, a piece of gum on the sidewalk, a moving song, an annoying person, or a hard truth about society. And the best part, no one will ever see it. It will be my little book, it's ideas belonging only to me. And maybe some lines will make their way into my public works, but that's only a byproduct.
But what I've found by doing this is that it has benefited more than just my writing. It has helped my lifestyle.
If I come across something in my life that makes me mad, I write about it. Doesn't matter if it is angry or hateful, because words have no power when only one person can ever see them. That way, no one gets offended, no one thinks less of me, and an argument isn't begun.
If I'm feeling sad, I write down pretty words, encouragement, and words of comfort. I put my sadness down on the paper and let it stay there.
When I feel happy, I go to the paper to try and put into words my feelings. What I am smelling at the time, what I am hearing, what I am seeing, all of it. I put it down.
As I've begun to do this more often, I've had to ask myself, when was the last time someone wrote for themselves? Not for an essay, not for an article, not for a chance at becoming a famous author. When was the last time they wrote simply because it is what they wanted to do?
If I found it healthy, would others?
So I suggest you try it. Get yourself a small notebook and a pencil and carry them with you. When you get too angry, or sad, or inspiration strikes, pull it out, and write. See if it helps.
Keep in mind, I have no research behind this. I'm just a kid taking a creative writing class.
