WRITING YOUR WAY TO BETTER RELATIONSHIPS: STARTING WITH YOURSELF

Let’s face it: relationships can be tricky, whether they’re with other people or, even more importantly, with yourself. But here’s the fun part—writing can help you navigate these waters with a bit more ease and a lot more insight. Think of writing as your personal GPS for relationships, guiding you toward deeper connections and better communication. I was caught in a loop of unsettling dreams, waking up each morning with a sense of unease. I decided to start writing them down, hoping to make sense of them. After about a week, a pattern emerged—each dream was a variation of the same theme: feeling stuck, like running on a treadmill that wouldn’t stop. It hit me that my subconscious was screaming for change. I realized I’d been feeling stagnant in my job. Even beyond my job there was that constant feeling of being stuck. I decided to make a small shift, taking on a project that really excited me. Surprisingly, the dreams stopped after that. Writing them down helped me see what was bothering me and nudged me toward a change that made all the difference. Writing is like having a conversation with yourself—one that helps you figure out what’s really going on inside that mind of yours. Research backs this up too. A study involving 700 participants found that expressive writing led to a 23% improvement in psychological well-being. It’s particularly effective in helping you make sense of your thoughts and emotions, turning that internal chaos into something you can actually work with. Journaling is a great way to do exactly this. It isn’t just about documenting your day; it’s about creating an ongoing dialogue with yourself. Whether it’s done daily or just when life gets a bit too hectic, journaling helps you process emotions, track your progress, and align your actions with your values. Last year, I started journaling every evening as a way to wind down. At first, it was just a brain dump—everything from what I had for breakfast to how frustrated I was with my internet provider. But over time, it became more purposeful. I began reflecting on what made me happy, what stressed me out, and what I wanted to change. That simple act of writing things down each night helped me gain a lot of clarity on what I value and how I want to live my life. Plus, it’s pretty satisfying to look back and see how much I’ve grown. This process made me realise that writing isn’t just for understanding yourself—it’s also a fantastic tool for improving how you relate to other people, things and events. Take relationships, for instance. I’ve found that when I’m really upset about something, I can’t always articulate it in the moment. So, I write it down first. It helps me sort through my feelings and find the right words to say. When I finally talk it out, the conversation goes much smoother because I’m not just reacting—I’m communicating thoughtfully. Another study found that couples who participated in written emotional expression exercises showed a 20% improvement in relationship satisfaction. That’s a pretty significant boost, and it’s all because writing helps you articulate your feelings better, reducing misunderstandings and fostering empathy. Writing fosters empathy by encouraging you to see things from another person’s perspective. Whether you’re writing a letter, keeping a relationship journal, or just reflecting on your interactions, writing helps you strengthen the emotional bonds that hold your relationships together. So, there you have it—writing is a powerful tool for enhancing relationships, starting with the one you have with yourself. By getting to know yourself better and improving your communication, writing can help you build stronger, more meaningful connections with others. As I continue to explore these practices, I’m excited to attend a retreat dedicated to personal growth and well-being, where I’ll deepen my commitment to these transformative habits. Writing is more than just a hobby; it’s a pathway to deeper, more fulfilling relationships. So why not grab a pen and start your own journey? You might be surprised at what you discover.