“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” —Anaïs Nin
Six years ago, I started a blog. And writing has remained a constant in my life ever since. Prior to starting Becoming Minimalist, I had done very little writing—a few articles for a company newsletter, but that’s about it. But these days, I try to write something new every day.
Two weeks ago, I sent in a manuscript for a new book, Only What Matters: The Life-Giving Benefits of Owning Less. The book will be released in December, just in time for Christmas. It is the most comprehensive introduction and explanation of minimalism I have ever written. I am really excited for you to see it—we’ve got some fun things planned this year.
Because of the book’s deadline, I have spent the last six weeks almost entirely immersed in the writing process (a gracious thank-you to the guest bloggers who filled in some of the gaps for me). Looking back, the focused writing time has caused me to appreciate the process even more—not just because of a finished manuscript, but because of what writing has meant to me on a personal level.
It has changed me.
Writing has forced discipline in my life. More than I ever expected, writing requires discipline. The past six years have involved countless early mornings and late nights. Most writers will attest to that fact. Writing requires the discipline to sit quietly on a chair, alone in a room with a blank page. All writing begins there.
Writing has provided opportunity to refine opinions. Dawson Trotman once said, “Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the fingertips.” He was right. Writing has required me to both understand and articulate my opinions. It has forced me to research my assumptions, defend them, and change when necessary.
Writing has prompted intentionality. Writing requires observation. And observation almost always leads to intentionality. Once I began writing about life and the thoughts that shape it, I began to think more intentionally about who I was becoming—and whether that was consistent with what I desired most.
Writing has made me more comfortable with my life’s journey. Recently, the New York Times published new research that seems to indicate writing—and then rewriting—your personal story can lead to behavioral changes and improved happiness. Among other reasoning, one argument is that writing helps us better understand our unique narrative and find deeper meaning in our trouble and suffering. After writing consistently for six years and experiencing this effect, I agree.
Writing has provided accountability. I chose to write publicly and have brought expectation upon myself because of it. In fact, the last time I posed for a selfie with a reader, she asked, “So do you really live out everything you write?” Even a private journal provides accountability. As we script our story, we find accountability—not to the written word, but to ourselves. We see how far we’ve come, how much we have left to accomplish, and why giving up now would be foolish.
Writing has increased my passion for the message. For six years, I have written about the benefits of owning less. Some days, I feel like I could write for six more. As I do, I continue to see how owning less holds benefit for all. Through readers’ comments and personal emails, I experience again the life-changing impact of this simple message: There is more joy to be found in owning less than we can ever discover pursuing more.
I have experienced other benefits for sure. Writing has given me a platform to share my message and has provided me the freedom to pursue it entirely. But still, the greatest change is the change that has occurred within me. I experienced each of them well before this blog had any regular readers.
There are important reasons to write. I recommend it often.
And if you’re interested in writing online, here’s a guide on how to start a blog.
Linda Luke says
Beautifully said. I have always been a reader and even after blogging for several years stutter a little when I mention to people that I write. I don’t feel like a writer, but somehow I became one. And, I am falling in love with words.
One of my favorite lessons that many of you may already have known, but came to me through blogging, is that the words and ideas come naturally. Perhaps it is through intention, or my morning walks, or Spirit speaking to me as I sleep, but by the time I sit down to write I usually know what I want to share.
And that, makes writing feel magical to me …
Christina @ Embracing Simple says
Congratulations on building such a captive audience through your writing the past 6 years! :)
As a writer myself, I completely agree that writing has changed my life in these ways as well. Especially when it comes to discipline. Sometimes sitting down to get your ideas and thoughts down in a physical form isn’t the easiest thing to do and definitely takes self-discipline some days. While other days the words flow out effortlessly, that isn’t always the case. No matter how experienced of a writer someone is!
Marcia Mitchum says
My entire life, I have been an avid reader and through that venue, I grew to love the written word. A blank page and mechanical pencil, in time, became not only life purpose but also therapeutic and spiritually ordained. So, about two years ago, I began an online faith based group as a source of encouragement, support, and enlightenment for today’s eclectic woman. The art of discipline, dedication, and accountability – not only to myself but to the members of this group – has made me a better writer. The desire to give my best comes back to me in the faithfulness of the readers, their comments and thoughts, their binding friendships.
Thank you for your passion, which is always so beautifully penned, and for being an inspiration on many levels.
BrownVagabonder says
The most important point for me about writing is how it provides insights into myself – while I write or journal, I discover aspects of myself that I wouldn’t have discovered otherwise. It forces me to look deep within myself to pull out tidbits to share with the world around me. It forces me to be honest with myself and my readers. It is truly scary sometimes how hard it can be. And how liberating.
Thank you for sharing this post.
Kevin @ Christian Simplicity says
Thanks for posting a great vision for the benefits of writing. I’m six months into it, not six years. But I am already beginning to see the benefits you describe.
Christina Jurgens says
Before becoming a professional home and office organizer, I taught 5th and 6th grades and 8th grade language arts (English, literature and writing) for many years. You have hit the proverbial nail on the head! There is something so comforting and reassuring when one puts pen to paper. Organized thinking leads to organized writing, which in turn leads to organized and structured living. Thank you for sharing.
Brian Gardner says
I’m amazed (and sometimes envious) of the incredible audience that you’ve built here on Becoming Minimalist. It’s clear that you have a deep passion for living with less, and the message you share here on the blog is so reflective of that. There’s no question that you have been a leader in the space, and have directly helped change the lives of many, many people. Well done, my friend.
Mrs. Frugalwoods says
Beautifully said. In addition to enabling me to articulate my thoughts and hold myself accountable, writing helps me even when I’m not writing. I find myself “writing” in my mind throughout the day, knowing that I’ll have the comfort and fulfillment of typing it all down later.
I like that I’m able to store away experiences and record them later. And, anytime I’m in a challenging or frustrating situation, I think to myself–well, at least I can write about this!
Lindsay (treadingmyownpath) says
I didn’t know you’d been writing for 6 years! I’ve been following your blog for the last couple of years, and writing my own blog for a little over that, and I can totally relate to everything you’ve written. Now I’ve started, I’m not sure I’d ever give it up. I love sitting in front of a blank screen, and clarifying my thoughts. I think it helps me live more intentionally.
Maybe in another 4 years, I’ll be as good a writer as you are! : )
Phil Pogson says
Gosh – you really know how to crystallize your thoughts – this post explains all my unwritten thoughts about my own writing attempts
Lois Smallwood says
I love that line ” thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the fingertips”
Crystallized thoughts exactly :)