My word of the year for 2021 is Yes. And a big part of that is I’m committed to writing bravely again.
This means that I’m going try new forms, take on new challenges and venture into finding new readers for my writing.
Writing Bravely Again
Last week I took part in the Hope Writers’ Instagram Writing Challenge. While I wasn’t able to post in time because of some problems with my time, I made time write down my responses to each prompt. I’m happy to share them with you today.
Day 1 prompt – New You
This month, I complete 13 years of blogging. But I’ve decided that I’m going to be looking at my writing with a beginner’s mind. I’m going to try out new forms, new challenges and push myself to write more. I’ve never claimed to be an expert writer, but this year, I want to be like a new writer. Absorbing everything I can learn. Being adventurous with my writing and constantly reminding myself about why I write. ⠀
I write – to express myself, to heal myself, to challenge myself and to change myself. If in the process of reading my writing, someone else is healed, challenged or motivated to change, that is a bonus.
Day 2 prompt – Progress
Does progress mean success – or does it mean daring greatly. Daring to be vulnerable. ⠀
I want to really stick my neck out this year. Pushing forward with my writing. Working on my craft. Yes, I love to keep my writing simple, but that doesn’t mean it should be boring. What can I learn? What new methods can I try? How can I be adventurous with my writing? ⠀
Day 3 prompt – Shine
The most important part of writing is showing up! Putting your buttocks in the chair and writing. Every day. Writing your heart out. Writing to show the world parts of you that sometimes even you don’t fully appreciate! Writing is a process in self-discovery. The more you show up – the more YOU show up! I’m writing to discover myself, to uncover parts of myself that are hidden. Today, I’m reminding myself to show up, take my crown off the stand, dust it off and shine on!⠀
Day 4 prompt – 21
Yes’! That’s my word for 2021. And when I thought about it, I definitely wanted to say yes to a lot more writing from the heart. Less writing out of habit, and more writing out of intent. Less writing because I have to, and more writing because I want to. Because I need to. I recall Wordsworth’s words: Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart. That’s the way I want to write. Heart-filled writing. Authentic writing.
Day 5 prompt – Fresh
This prompt was linked to Kate Motaung’s #FiveMinuteFriday link up. I published my response to the prompt on Everyday Gyaan. You can read ‘Freshly Cut Roses‘ there.
Day 6 prompt – Rhythm
Writing has its own rhythm. Like life, I guess. I’m not talking about the arrangement of words or alliteration, but about getting into the rhythm of writing. Writing regularly. Writing every day. This year, I’ve started doing that. And you know what? I’ve fallen in love with writing all over again. Try writing every day and I promise you that the rhythm is going to get you! ;)⠀
Day 7 prompt – Celebrate
Today I’m celebrating the fact that in the midst of a lot of things happening at home, I’ve still managed to complete this writing challenge. I’ve written small bits and all of them centre on writing, but that’s what’s been on my mind since the start of this year. I’ve created a folder on my computer called My Writing Journey, acknowledging that I’m starting over with a beginner’s mind! I’ve started participating in a lot more challenges and link ups both to challenge myself and also to connect with a variety of writers.⠀
Today I celebrate writing and my writing journey!⠀
Today I’m recommitting myself to writing bravely again!
⠀
I’m so glad to know that you have decided to “write bravely” again. This post is immensely inspirational, especially because I find myself at crossroads every now and then when it comes to blogging. That said, I hope you are participating in A to Z. Short ones, like your Instagram posts, maybe? It’d be amazing to read your posts. I haven’t made up my mind yet though.
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Good for you Corinne. I had to move in a brave new direction one month ago after getting prompting from my intuition. Going long form, SEO-optimizing and putting my ego writing wants to the side felt uncomfortable but there is no other way to be of service, to write from an energy of peace and to genuinely let the words flow.
Ryan
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I loved reading this post, Corinne. Each of the Instagram post shared a valuable insight. I am in total agreement with showing up. If that doesn’t happen nothing else could happen either. I feel people think too much about writing. I started to write every day from 2019 somewhere and I don’t always write awe inspiring material. I write rubbish some days. But we need to write all sorts to get that good material out and find what works for us. Right? Showing up leads to clarity and growth.
I liked your new perspective of considering yourself as a beginner. There is something to think about in there. 🙂
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Wishing you all the best in your writing this year!
All the best Corinne! I wish you success. I too am trying to write more this year. I am writing in journals more than ever. I am writing my opinions in book reviews on my blog more than ever. I agree with you that we really need to write for ourselves more than anything else.
I read your posts on Instagram and I loved them. Yes to writing bravely and writing for the love of it!
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Each one of your writings in response to the Instagram writing challenge has warmed up my heart. More power to you, Corinne.
Writing bravely is something I learned with Write Tribe and I am glad the ethos has remained the same even after so many years. These days, I have become a person of few words when it comes to writing – one or two lines at the most. I wish I could find a new me too writing bravely about my present vulnerabilities.
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So good to see you’ve committed to writing more often, Corinne! Each one of those IG posts spoke to my soul. I can see how much you love the process and the act of writing.
I couldn’t agree more on why it’s important to show up every single day as a writer. That’s what we all need to do to discover our strengths and to learn aspects of our work that wouldn’t reveal themselves to us otherwise.
Wishing you explore more possibilities and more discoveries in this writing year ahead, Corinne.
This is wonderful to read, Corinne! Can I tag along? This is the part that most resonates within me:
“The most important part of writing is showing up! Putting your buttocks in the chair and writing. Every day. Writing your heart out. Writing to show the world parts of you that sometimes even you don’t fully appreciate! Writing is a process in self-discovery. The more you show up – the more YOU show up! I’m writing to discover myself, to uncover parts of myself that are hidden.”
Look for a PM shortly.
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