Write For Your Life

Write For Your Life

Yesterday my partner and I went to the thrift store to look for gifts for the kids. Inevitably I’m draw to the few rows of books. It’s so easy to get lost and let my my wander as I read through the titles, pulling some out that that sound, or look, interesting.

“Write For Your Life” by Anna Quindlen jumped out at me. I had never heard of it, or her, but the title sounded interesting. There have been so many things that have popped out at me in the last several months, that have been saying, “It’s time to start writing reguarly again.” People talking about The Artist’s Way on TikTok (a book I’ve read in the past), or people talking about daily writing habits in podcasts I’ve listened to. I love the idea of doing something each day. Like a ritual. An exercise. Something to free my mind from the constraints of my own limited beliefs and ways of thinking. Something to oil the valves of my brain, to help me think in more complete thoughts. Something to help me put aside the easy thrill of scrolling on social media, for the pleasure of deeper thinking.

It has become harder and harder as life goes on. I turned 40 years old this year. Between my job, kids, pets, and all the modern stresses of life, let alone hobbies and doing things that actually make me feel alive, I’ve defaulted to survival mode. Just getting by in everything. It has become harder and harder to dream. To learn. To just sit with a fucking book, read it, think about it, and let my mind wander.

So I guess this blog is an effort to reclaim that space in my head. Everything and everyone around me always seem to be pressing in on that private space in my head, crowding out the creative space that I crave on a daily basis. Space to just sit and think and do nothing so that something beautiful can arise.

In the first chapter of “Write For Your Life” Anna talks about Anne Frank, as well as Erin Gruwell and what she did at Wilson High School in Long Beach, California for her students, and the healing power that writing has for both ourselves and others.

I’m starting this journey for myself. For some reason “Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs” was the catalyst. But I hope it will be so much more than that. A place to unplug my brain and reclaim the space I so desperately desire for creating.

Soundtrack: Andorra by Caribou