Cover Photo by Daria Tumanova on Unsplash
3 Ways Writing Has Been Therapeutic for Me and Could Be for You Too
“Life isn’t about just talking, it’s about thinking too.”
― Marie Symeou
As an introvert, social interactions can be draining for me. If people don’t ask me questions about myself or what I do, chances are I won’t open up and tell them. If you’ve been reading my stories, it may come as a surprise to you since I’m pretty much on open book when it comes to writing.
I’ve been at my wife’s cousin’s place for the past two days. I’ve been feeling a little awkward, not really knowing what to say in most situations. I’ve known her for the past 14 years, so it’s not like we don’t know each other, but I realized that two things last night:
I don’t open up when people don’t ask me questions
I ask questions, but I feel awkward following up on subjects I don’t know.
If you’re an introvert, you may have noticed the same.
That made me reflect back on my writing. I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t able to talk about myself when I so easily do it in writing.
For the longest time, because of my introversion, I thought I had nothing “original” to say. I thought I was just a timid guy and that what I had to say was not necessarily important. Obviously, I’m being a little over-dramatic here.
And of course, I was wrong.
Introverts have so much to say. Potentially more so than extroverts.
3 Ways Writing Has Been Therapeutic for Me and Could Be for You Too
1. It allows you to express yourself the way you really feel
“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes”―C.G. Jung
As introverts, we tend to keep our good and bad emotions inside. We have close friends we can talk to, but sometimes we don’t want to bother them.
Writing is a phenomenal way to express oneself.
Back in January, I decided to write online on Medium.com. The purpose for me was just to improve my writing, not really focusing on the self-expression aspect. I expressed myself unknowingly and, in hindsight, has been such a liberating exercise.
Outside of Medium, I had started journaling during that time, after following Benjamin P. Hardy’s course. Writing in my journal has dramatically increased my self-awareness, and in general just made me a better person.
2. It helps you connect with other like-minded people
“A small group of like-minded people can change the course of history.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Extroverts have it a little easier when it comes to meeting new people and making friends, if not simply by the fact that they like to surround themselves with people more frequently.
Ever since I started writing, more people have opened up to me because they can relate to my stories. I’ve made deeper connections and met amazing people.
But more importantly, it showed me that there are many others like me, and that introversion is not a bad thing. In fact, I’m happy to be introverted.
3. It makes you go out of your comfort zone and expands your horizons
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” — Neale Donald Walsh
I love the quote above. I found that to be so true. Expressing my feelings is certainly not in my comfort zone, but writing as made it easier. As a result, I’ve been able to drastically expand my network and skillset.
When you’re able to get out of your comfort zone, suddenly you’re more in peace with the idea that you’re more than you thought you were. Your self-esteem goes up and you’re more willing to try new things.
Conclusion
Writing allows you to express yourself freely, helps you connect with like-minded people, make you go outside your comfort zone and expands your horizons.
I found that to be extremely beneficial in my life. In fact, it was so beneficial that after my first month writing, I decided to keep going and have been doing it for over 6 months now.
I can’t stop writing now. Every morning I must write. It’s my way of always being myself and staying out of my comfort zone.
Are you an introvert?
Have you tried writing?
Where do you write?
What do you write about?
What benefits have you gotten from writing?
If you don’t write, why not?
What’s holding you back?
Writing is not for everyone. But if you’re an in introvert, I dare you to try it. Start with a journal. It may sound ridiculous at first, but you’ll realize soon enough that it isn’t. Write about your life. Write about who you are. What you want to be. Dare publish, if only for yourself.
You can do this!
Thanks for reading! :)