It's been a period of growth for me over the past 150 days of daily writing on gparashar.com. What began as an experiment to improve my writing skills has evolved into a second nature habit that has enriched my life in unexpected ways. As I reflect on this milestone, I realize how much daily writing has become an integral part of my routine, offering me a pocket of 5-10 minutes each day to structure my thoughts and express myself.
When I first embarked on this writing process, I was unsure about the consistency I could maintain. But as days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, writing became as natural as breathing. I now find myself eagerly seeking those few minutes every day to put my thoughts into words. Whether it's early morning with a steaming cup of coffee or late at night in the serenity of dim lights, my laptop has become my trusted companion in this creative endeavor.
The most important things are the hardest to say. They are the things you get ashamed of, because words diminish them - words shrink things that seemed limitless when they were in your head to no more than living size when they're brought out. But it's more than that, isn't it? The most important things lie too close to wherever your secret heart is buried, like landmarks to a treasure your enemies would love to steal away. And you may make revelations that cost you dearly only to have people look at you in a funny way, not understanding what you've said at all, or why you thought it was so important that you almost cried while you were saying it. That's the worst, I think. When the secret stays locked within not for want of a teller but for want of an understanding ear.
One of the most significant benefits of daily writing has been the clarity it brings to my thoughts. Each day, I gather my ideas, ponder over them, and give them a coherent structure. This practice has not only refined my writing skills but has also improved my ability to articulate my thoughts in everyday conversations.
However, as I journey through my daily writing ritual, a thought often crosses my mind: what would the experience be like if I chose to write on paper with a pen instead? The difference between digital and analog writing might be similar to the contrast between reading from a paperback book and reading on a phone or laptop.
Writing on a laptop offers convenience and speed. The ease of editing, spell-checking, and automatic saves make it an efficient tool for expression. However, the downside is that the digital interface may sometimes distract from the pure flow of thoughts, with notifications and other apps tempting us to deviate from the task at hand.
Writing on paper, on the other hand, might offer a more immersive and focused experience. The tactile sensation of the pen gliding on the paper can create a unique connection between the mind and the words. There's an element of intimacy in the act of physically crafting each letter and word, which could potentially enhance the depth of expression and self-reflection.
It is this curiosity that makes me ponder over the possibility of incorporating paper and pen into my daily writing routine. Perhaps, occasionally dedicating a few days each month to this more traditional approach could open new channels of creativity and insight.
As I celebrate 150 days of daily writing, I am immensely grateful for the impact it has had on my life. It has taught me discipline, honed my writing skills, and enriched my understanding of myself. Writing has become a second habit that I cherish, a journey of introspection and exploration that has unlocked hidden facets of my personality.
To those who have not yet experienced the joy of daily writing, I encourage you to embark on your own writing journey. Whether you choose the digital realm of laptops and screens or the timeless allure of pen and paper, the benefits of regular writing are boundless. Give yourself the gift of self-expression and embrace the transformative power of words.