Writing has been one of the most powerful tools for self-discovery in my life. I’m not suggesting that picking up a pen and paper will magically fix all your problems, but with the right people around you and a healed mindset, writing becomes a place to see your path clearly and navigate the obstacles along the way.
In 2015, after coming home from prison, my mother gave me a leather-bound journal. At first, it seemed strange—a gift like that. But then I remembered the connection I’d forged with writing during my time inside. Writing was the only place I didn’t hide, the only place where I could be brutally honest with myself. My journal became the space where I began developing emotional intelligence. Through writing, I could identify the patterns that held me back and the areas that needed growth.
Our egos can be relentless hostage-takers, holding us back from admitting there’s room for improvement. But as I kept writing, I realized how powerful the mind becomes when it’s healing. My plans, written down night after night, started coming to life. Slowly, I began to transform through the words I put on paper.
We feed ourselves in countless ways: through what we watch, read, the music we choose, how we speak to ourselves and others, and even the thoughts that run through our minds. For me, starting the writing process was challenging at first, but I’ve found an easy entry point for anyone on a journey of self-discovery: ask yourself, What did I learn today? Start creating your own history, your own record of growth.
The more we’re willing to learn about ourselves, the easier it becomes to be the change we want to see in the world. We’re all the authors of our own stories, so don’t let others dictate the words written on the pages of your life.
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