I know, nobody uses a pen to write anymore, but the image of people typing away on a computer just doesn’t do it for me. So, I’m going with the pen.
Pens talk.
Pens teach.
For some reason, I’ve had the urge lately to go back and read everything I posted here on Wise & Shine last year. I finally took some time and did that this week.
As it turns out, my pen was talking for most of the year on the same few subjects. I apparently wasn’t listening though because already this year, I’ve found myself writing on some of the same topics I dealt with last year.
My wife sometimes tells me I don’t listen, maybe she’s right.
After paying attention this time, here’s what I think my pen is saying to me:
1- I talk a lot about work/life balance and a desire to be less busy, with more carefree time. But, I guess I didn’t make many improvements in that area because I’m still writing about it this year.
2- I really like telling stories.
3- For better or worse, I don’t have a set writing style. I float around from one approach to the next according to my whim. I seem to go through little phases of doing something for a while, then move on to a new approach.
4- I seriously considered taking a break from writing or stopping altogether, but I’m glad I didn’t. I did cut back a good bit though by letting my personal blog get dusty.
5- I really enjoyed reading some of my better pieces and I really appreciate peoples responses, likes and comments.
6- I love writing; the artistic part, the thoughtful/self-reflective part, the entertaining part- the whole thing.
7- I seem to be in some sort of personal, middle aged, re-focusing, moulting process.
I really enjoyed reading my old stuff and I highly recommend that you do it too. Maybe you already do…
In case you don’t, here’s why you should:
1- Your pen is talking to you! You can learn a lot about yourself as a person; where you’re headed and and where you’ve been.
2- It’s fun!
3- You can evaluate your writing, and set the intention of pursuing the traits you like while eliminating what you don’t.
4- It’s impressive! Writing one blog post may not seem like a big deal, but when you write one blog post many times, over and over, it becomes a body of work- and that IS a big deal. If you’ve written a bunch of stuff, you have a body of work, a portfolio or repertoire of sorts. Acknowledge it! Be proud of it!
Your pen is talking to you.
Listen to it!
Follow Wise & Shine for more stories from our talented staff. You can also visit Todd’s personal Five O’Clock Shadow blog. For more on Todd as a musician, visit toddfulginiti.com