Write That Down, Write That Down!
Article by Francesca AmanI never thought I’d be someone who writes things down because I thought I could process or remember everything on my own. Carrying pen and paper felt arbitrary especially when there are calendar and notes apps available on everything.
My willingness and insistence to avoid jotting my thoughts, journalling my emotions, or even making a concise to-do list for the day, hindered me more than I could ever understand. I considered everything personal, writing anything down made it feel too real. Being vulnerable on paper, something tangible, something anyone could come across, always worried me. It took years for me to get past this aversion.
The habit started faintly with journal entries about my day, usually 1-2 lines about what I did or what I felt, impersonal recollections that I felt safe writing about. The journal entries gradually came easier to me and became a grounding practice. I started journalling about my day, feelings, and concerns thoroughly when I accepted that it was okay to have my thoughts exist beyond myself. It actually felt like I finally discovered fire, like wow, everyone was really expressing themselves like this?
I managed to complete several journals over the years which fulfilled my need for an outlet, but I was still forgetting everything else like errands and due dates. Not once during that time did I even think of writing any of it down as a reminder. Not until I was nudged to, where I then picked up a two dollar notepad for. It felt like I discovered fire again.
I felt insane attempting to compartmentalize everything I was experiencing on my own. Picking up a journal and a notepad made all the difference for me. It’s definitely going to be different for everyone, but I want to emphasize the importance of writing anything and everything down.