Personal growth is a pretty difficult thing to avoid. As the world shifts and changes about me, I find myself shifting and changing too. In this blog, I wanted to reflect on some of the things I’ve learned through my writing over the past few years.

Here are some technical aspects of my writing that have developed:

Imagery: I’m not the best at visualizing things. When I read, I do picture things in my head, but the picture is never a vivid one. I struggle with imagery in my own writing because it’s never been a primary focus of mine. Though I still struggle, I have noticed that through the years of practise and learning from example, my imagery skills have improved.
Giving my Writing Space: When I first started writing, I’d obsess over all the little details for days on end. I’m not sure when it was that I realized if I simply gave my brain a break from my writing for a longer period of time, I could return to it with fresh ideas. And my writing has become all the better for it.
Less is More: Though I’m quite passionate about expanding my vocabulary, I now have an understanding that I don’t need to use a multitude of complicated words to be a skilled writer. Instead of agonizing over what words to choose, I now have the confidence to use more concise, simple language.

I’ve learned more than just technical things about writing over the years. I’ve also developed my personal character:

Importance of Writing: As much as I’ve always loved writing, I used to feel as though there were more meaningful things for me to do with my life. University has taught me just how powerful writing can be. It can develop empathy, shape worldviews, inspire change, and so much more. I’m much more self-assured in being a writer now than I used to be.
Emotional Intelligence: Writing requires the author to explore complex emotions in order to convey them properly. By doing this regularly, I have a greater understanding of emotions and can put that knowledge to use in my personal life. I’m able to examine why I feel how I feel and have compassion for the feelings of others.
Open-Mindedness: The more texts that I read, the more perspectives I’m exploring. I’ve come to understand the experiences, opinions, and mindsets of so many different types of people. Keeping an open mind is the only way to be able to fully immerse oneself in a character. By doing this in my reading and writing, I’m able to translate this skill to the real people I encounter in everyday life.

Those are just a few things about writing and about myself that I’ve learned over the years. Being a writer is such a rewarding career in so many ways. I’m excited to learn more.