“Why Do You Want to Write?”

This was the question from my long-time, creative friend Joyce, when I shared with her my doubts about trying to write.

A fearless artist when it comes to her passions, she immediately told me, “First of all, you don’t try, you just do.”

We often go many months without being in touch but have recently set up every-other-week check-ins, maintaining a friendship that thrives on three hour phone chats.

She declared it was time for me to get back to the ‘why?’

Her energy and excitement can be daunting sometimes but when questioning or doubting myself it can be a case of being in touch with the right person at just the right time.

Joyce is a self-declared junkie of everything self-help and motivational; books, speakers, YouTube. She loves it all. And she’s happy to share her endless enthusiasm with her friends.

Here are some inspirational and motivational gems from Joyce that have clicked with me. It’s not new information but as I said, it’s been a good nudge at the right time.

Having a dream is already a success.

Even if you contribute one percent every day to this dream, it will add up. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon. We just have to get in the race.

Your mind will believe everything you tell it.

This seems like a little twist on positive thinking so remember to tell yourself what works for you and what serves your goals. Make your day count. Set a target and get ‘er done.

The brain dump.

When feeling stuck, write whatever is on your mind; a rant, gratitude, what’s outside the window. Getting something written will clear your mind to move toward meeting your goals. If you’re a morning writer, take time to include your intentions for the day. This is not a to-do list but how you’d like to spend your time.

Living every day like it might be your last is way too stressful but living this year like it might be your last is easier for me to buy into. I wonder what I could accomplish if I gave it my absolute best shot for a year.

So, why do I want to write?

It seems odd to me that I’ve never put a lot of thought into why or actually writing down the reasons but here goes:

• I want to write something that I would love to read and that two or three others would enjoy reading as well.
• To prove to myself that I can trust my instincts and create something from all the daydreaming I do about characters and stories.
• To meet the challenge of giving one hundred percent effort all the way to THE END.

I keep these answers to why I want to write tucked into a brand new journal, easily available when I need reminding and maybe add to from time to time.

Joyce highly recommends posting goals and inspirational quotes around her house. Mirrors and cupboard doors are often covered with post-it notes and photos encouraging her to keep focused. She believes in daily reminders until a project is finished.

As our chats continue, I hope her enthusiasm rubs off on me and that her words of wisdom ring true for me just when I need them.

So think about it, why do YOU want to write?