Sometimes, I wonder what it would be like to have that public platform to thank all the important people who brought me to this time and place in my life. (But wait, I kinda do right here …) So, inspired by the Academy Awards… 

My theory? People participate in social media challenges because they want to learn more about themselves, and connect to things that are truly important to them.

The mind is a meaning-making machine, and that often winds up tying you up in mental knots, making you istressed out, distracted, and generally crankypants. And that's where mindful writing comes in.

One of the best ways to outwit your inner critic is to make sure you know when it's working/alive. One way to do that is to have a conversation with it on paper.  

With the ease of venting publicly through social media, there's a lot more nastiness out there. Wouldn't we all be so much better off if we vented on paper in a letter we never intend to send?

Writers often find themselves staring at a blank page wondering where to begin. Try jotting things down when they happen. Fully formed thoughts are not required.