Just Write!

Since officially starting polish writing & editing, I have experienced all the excitement that goes along with starting a new business – a new focus, a new schedule, new business cards, new projects.  But, I have also experienced something quite unexpected . . . the joy of discovering that many people I know have ideas they have expressed (or they want to express) through the written word.

I can’t tell you how exciting this is to me, and not for the reason you might expect.  Yes, all of these friends are potential “clients,” which would undoubtedly be an incredible perk for my business.  But, more importantly, I am excited that these friends have exhibited the courage to write.  Yes, I said “courage.”  In a world where we are becoming increasingly conditioned (or, you might call it, pressured) to do more, respond faster, accept at face-value, provide a quick answer and make things happen, I fear that we are losing our ability to concentrate, to ponder, to consider . . . in essence, to think.

But, writing . . . writing can be part of the remedy to this fast-paced (I’m just going to say it . . . potentially destructive) way of life.  The process of writing forces us to slow down.  It gives us opportunity to discover what we believe, what we don’t understand, how our experiences have shaped who we are.  Writing can bring clarity even when all of the “answers” still elude us.  It can bring healing even when our scars are still there.  It can help us define our viewpoint in the midst of the noise of life.

But, it does take courage.

And, that is why I get so excited when I hear about all of these writers in my midst.  This is a world in which we need courage, perhaps like never before.  So, thank you, friends, for encouraging me in this way.

So, even if you have never considered yourself a writer (even if you think you’re a horrible writer), I urge you to make writing a part of your life.  The process of slowing down and putting your thoughts onto paper (or screen!) can be truly life-changing.  The act of writing, even if (maybe especially if) no one else ever reads it, is a gift to yourself.

And with that, I leave you with a quote from renowned writer and author of On Writing Well, William Zinsser:

“Writing is thinking on paper.”