I’m exhaling a huge sigh of relief and sipping green tea, coming down from what was a rather anticlimactic day. I’m a worrier by nature, a person who feels way too much and somehow manages to mask it all with the armor of a knight (or its female equivalent). However, the more I get to know people on a deeper level, I begin to realize that a lot of people feel this same way but never say anything. Like me, they mask it so that the world only sees a modified version of themselves. I challenge you to believe that your voice is important. Even if it is quieter than more or if you stumble on your words; your voice matters. Share your thoughts and write them down. Sometimes writing can be easier said than done. Writer’s block is all too real and with the huge number of papers we have to write for classes, it can be overwhelming to try to gather all of your thoughts at the end of the day. Here are a few of my tricks for avoiding writer’s block:
Talk it Out
Talking to other people about your writing is intimidating, but if there is someone you trust, talk to them about it! Especially when explaining new concepts, I have found that new ideas blossom and connections are made when I say them out loud.
Read More
Reading is huge, and reading like a writer is even bigger. Analyzing and looking at what you like and dislike in a book or article will lend you inspiration in your own writing. Poorly written pieces key me into a self-righteous anger and that works too.
Play with Other Medium of Art
If you’re artistic, drawing helps. Draw characters, scenes, ideas, anything to get those creative juices flowing. Even if you don’t think you’re good at drawing, remember that stick figures are people too! Exploring a new medium of self expression can be tremendously helpful.
Outline and Organize
Outline more to build you story. This opens up your brain and allows ideas to pop into your head when you’re feeling stuck.
Power Through
Sometimes you just have to power through, mind over matter style. Put pen to paper and don’t allow yourself to stop writing for at least ten minutes. While some of what you write won’t nominate you for any awards, I can guarantee you that there are some diamonds between the mush.
Don’t let anyone tell you that your opinion doesn’t matter until you’ve entered the “real world.” Your world is real. Your experiences are real. The phrase “real world” tends to be bandied about by people who want you to imagine that everyone is as cruel as them and that you’re just too sheltered to know it.
Image sources: Pexels.com, HouseofHipster.com.