Writing advice is life advice.
In my last essay, I shared this writing advice: “Start with where you are, and the rest will follow.” It’s simple, but it helps me write on days when I don’t know where to start. I hoped it would help someone else, too.
Almost immediately after sharing it, my friend emailed me.
“OK, but actually, I needed this advice for what to do with my life in general.”
I was surprised but grateful it resonated. I replied, “You’re probably doing better than you think you are!”
It was a quick exchange, but it stayed with me. I started thinking about other pieces of writing advice I turn to when I need direction and encouragement. I realized that none of them are specific to writing. All of them apply to life, too.
“Show, don’t tell” helps me be the kind of person I say I want to be. It reminds me to buy my wife flowers just because, to reach out to a friend when I think of them, to stop and talk with my elderly neighbors when we run into each other.
“Something is better than nothing” helps me take action when I’m overwhelmed. It reminds me that a short walk is better than no walk, a 10-minute tidy is better than never cleaning, a quick doodle before bed is better than never drawing at all.
“Be more honest” helps me show up more authentically. It reminds me to ask for what I need, to set boundaries with people who make me feel small, to move through shame and see what’s on the other side (often: relief, connection, understanding).
Like all advice, these things don’t always resonate. There are days when I’m so distracted, disconnected, and stuck that I don’t even hear the words sounding in my head. Or I do, and I just don’t care.
That’s okay, though, because when they do resonate, they help me move closer to who I am and what I want—in writing and in life. Just like good advice should.
What’s a piece of writing advice you already use that could apply to your life, too?
Comment below and let me know.
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