“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.
Spencer Brynne says
As I enter my journey into minimalism I have begin defining what is necessary in my life and what is not. I have gotten rid of material things as well as virtual things. Reducing the number of apps, reevaluate the websites I use, and pairing my internet usage down. One thing I often struggle with however is this – Many practitioners in the minimalist community write blogs, and have a social online presence. How do you rectify spending so much time writing online with your minimalist beliefs? Or do you not spend much time online? I have even begun to question my use of my smartphone for writing and apps like evernote (which I have used forever) because they aren’t simple like just pen and a journal. I don’t know maybe I am over thinking things due to the newness of this journey and trying to make sense of it all.
Ronald@therichimmigrant says
I totally agree with Joshua.I just started to blog at the beginning of this year and it has given me the discipline to stay consistent.I am not the best writer but with the practice I find myself becoming better everyday.
Carmel says
I have been following your blog for a few years now. I stumbled upon it by googling “Minimalism” after my familt and I moved to France and I flt overwhelmed with the unpacking! I didn’t even have a word for the type of simple living I wanted to create for myself and my family. Nevertheless I started on the journey to simplify and now as a direct result, I have started making the time to write. I’ve always been scribbling away but the difference is, now I’ve committed to my own blog. I am enjoying finding my feet with something I’m enjoying immensely. I feel that writing is like holding up a mirror that we need to look into and I’m already feeling the benefits! Congratulations on 6 years and here’s to many more!
Jess Townes says
I couldn’t agree more that writing about our lives propels us to more intentional living. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you know what a difference it has made in so many lives. I recommended you today in a blog post I wrote and I truly hope people check out your blog: http://www.onthisnewmorning.com/2015/02/letter-of-resignation.html
Reagan Sanders says
Honestly, I am impressed with people who love writing about their life everyday. Imagine? Recording your everyday’s life like a diary is actually inspiring as your grandchildren will read your write ups in the future.
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Nathan Atkinson says
Beautiful post! I am a writer myself and I am changed with each thing that I write. While I change my writing changes. It is really a circular process of change. I think, feel and relive experiences through writing. Sometimes I explore new ideas, opinions, worlds, people, etc. through my writing. Thanks for your post, Joshua! If you like this post, you should check out my blog at http://smplife.com for more about simplicity and minimalism! Thanks!
Sam Dunne says
You have summed up the emotional effect of writing perfectly – thank you so much
Daisy @ Simplicity Relished says
I definitely agree about intentionality. Writing has made me think about what I share and whether my life truly reflects those things. Thanks Joshua for showing that writing (and blogging) doesn’t have to be a trivial pursuit! You’ve done great work here.
Neal Samudre says
I definitely agree with the point of writing making me comfortable with life’s journey. For me, I feel like the daily habit of writing helps me make sense of the story I’m living. It forces me to filter my words through the lens in which I see the world, and in doing so, I see a clear picture of how my story progresses. What do you guys think?
Great thoughts, Joshua!
Joy says
Love this! I wrote a memoir a few years ago (90k+ words), and it taught me so much about writing. Similar to what the study you refer to found, I learned so much about my story. But what I think I really learned was that I didn’t want to write such a “MEmoir” — that the things I had focused on as being painful and hard were just life. I ended up discarding almost all of it, which seemed almost unfathomable to me at times yet I realized was completely necessary. I still want to write a book and I’m working on a couple ideas, but it will be very different. Even if it does end up being a memoir, it will be more a celebration of the people who loved me (in spite of myself!) and of grace.