When I started writing, my goal was and still is to help people see things from a different viewpoint other than their own. I didn’t think when I first started that it would help me as much as it would help other people. However it has. Let me give you an example, say I was upset about something going on in the news or just life in general, I would complain about it to friends or a family member. But after I talked about what was bothering me and thinking I felt better in that moment, deep down it was still bothering me. I would hold in when really it needed to be expressed.
That was then, now that I have writing as an outlet. Whenever I am upset about something, I don’t only talk to my friends about it but I also write on topics that I am fired up about. I leave it all in a word document and I feel so much better after because I expressed my feelings in a healthy way.
It has become my therapist and stress relief all in one, and I am so grateful for writing. Knowing that it helps me and the fact that it helps others at the same time is just icing on the cake! For me, I still need to talk to friends about problems but I am not letting things upset me as it would before because I have something to help with that-writing and having my friends there are the perfect combination for me.
I think we need to find an outlet other than our friends at times because telling your problems day after day will help you in the short term but it can do harm to you and your friends. Discussing it will help you feel better in the short term but it won’t deal with the issue deep down. You have to do the work yourself sometimes and our friends have limits, we all do. We are human so you can talk to your friends about your issues but it is important to give them a break every now and then to breathe, and find your own outlet, whatever it may be.
We all have them, perhaps we all just never gave it much thought because you didn’t need to think about it when your solid group of friends are always there to hear you out. Yes, they will be there for you when you need them but what will happen when they’re not there at a moment’s notice and you need them? That is where your outlet comes in use; to release your worry about something or your stress from the day, whatever it is your going through. Find your outlet, it will make you feel better and your friendships will benefit from it. I know this because I found my outlet and it has changed my life in ways I can’t even start to explain. These simple words from one of my best friends, “Write when you’re inspired.” was all of the encouragement I needed to create this outlet into a passion and into a career that I love so much.
So, if you need an outlet or need some encouragement, maybe try turning it into something more like I did. If no one has your back or if no one believes your new outlet/passion, I believe in you. I am so proud of you for going for it and trying something new to relieve your stress and finding a new healthy way of expression for you and what you stand for!
Sincerely,
Someone who loves her “therapist”
Featured image via Unsplash
