Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Twelve Reasons To Write (& A Giveaway!)

'It is important for us to journal or to create or give voice to the things that we're even afraid to think about.' 


A few days ago I received the loveliest surprise in the mail, a journal adorned with the quote, 'Think In Magic.' I've been battling with creative block for awhile now & it was just the piece of inspiration I needed to start writing again. 
Why and how you should start expressing your creativity through writing.
I've loved writing for as long as I can remember. A notebook and a pen became best friends to me when I was a little girl. I still have journals I wrote in when I was six years old documenting memories like a day spent with my best friend and what my first grade teacher was like. Today my journal is filled with stories about people who have touched me, memories I'll cherish forever, inspirational quotes, lyrics, polaroids, ticket stubs...you will probably find a piece of every single thing that has ever had meaning to me in my journal.  

The first page of this gift is filled with lyrics of a new song called 'In My Locket.' It's about a moment you share with someone that seems like it could be straight out of a movie - absolutely everything about it is perfect. The last line of the chorus says: 'It was a moment full of promise. It was a picture to keep in my locket.'
Why and how you should start expressing your creativity through writing.
Because it has brought so much joy to me, I hope that I can inspire you to write - whether it's a letter to a friend, a journal entry, a list of goals, or a few words about a loved one, I'm convinced writing is magic 

Twelve Reasons To Write: 
1. When you're writing, it feels like you're having a conversation with your best friend.
2. It gives you the opportunity to let your mind wander & relax.
3. It's a beautiful way to express yourself.
4. You can keep your writings private, locked away for a rainy day.
5. It's a lovely way to leave your legacy. 
6. It's a wonderful way to document your opinions & experiences.
7. It helps you destress!
8. You'll get to know yourself better.
9. It is an excellent way to organize your thoughts & ideas.
10. You'll have a tangible creation that came from your heart. 
11. It's a fun way to challenge yourself.
12. You can inspire others with your story.
-
G I V E A W A Y! 
Receive a free issue of Bella Grace Magazine!
Bella Grace Magazine is always such a wonderful source of inspiration for me & I'm so excited to be hosting a giveaway for their latest issue. I just got my hands on it yesterday and I've already been through it multiple times. It's filled with gorgeous photos, inspiring stories, and writing prompts that I love! To receive Bella Grace Magazine: Issue 7 (along with a handwritten letter of course :) leave a comment on this post 

For further inspiration, please visit these these lovely Bella Grace bloggers




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29 comments

  1. Thank you Hayley! You are absolutely correct about the power of writing and journaling. I might sometimes fall out of the habit, but at difficult times, especially when deployed on several occasions to Afghanistan/middle east, pen and paper were very therapeutic ways to process the emotions and experiences of the day. I appreciate you reminding me of the joys of writing.

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    1. You're welcome! So glad this post resonated - thank you for sharing your experience :)

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  2. Hayley I am so happy to be able to be such a delicate part of your life, with intimate emotions etc. Thank you so much for all your inspirations and beautiful music, not only do you bless my eyes/soul you also bless my ears too :) my wish is that you never stop/give up because the world needs you :) xox

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  3. Hayley, I absolutely love this post! When I was younger, I would journal as well and I still have a good laugh every now and again when I read through old entries. I completely agree: Journaling is like magic. I can take the whirlwind of thoughts and emotions inside of me and organize them all on paper before they tear me up inside. I love recording every moment of my life (especially because it's so helpful to use moments as inspiration for writing songs later on...)
    Thank you for being such an inspiration. Your music and style is so uplifting. :)

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    1. Ah I love how you described that - 'organizing a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions before they tear you up inside' - that's exactly what journaling feels like! I often base my songs off journal entries too, or my entry ends up turning into lyrics. Thank you for the kind words! ♥

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  4. Oh, I love this so much! I do love to write and having 12 reasons to do so is inspiring! Thank you so much Hayley! Beautiful post!

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    1. So happy you liked it! Thank you for the lovely comment! ♥

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  5. What a great story of the inspiration in writing! Writing has helped me heal through many tragedies in life, while allowing me to also document the good times too. I truly enjoyed your post...

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    1. Writing is so wonderful, isn't it?! Thank you for visiting! ♥

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  6. Hayley, that is precisely why I so thoroughly enjoy the pages of Bella Grace...the prompts to contemplate and then express! Sometimes the right questions can result in a waterfall of words!♡ The lyrics you shared from your song are inticing...perhaps one day we will hear the rest! Thank you for sharing.♡

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    1. Yes! It's one of my absolute favorite publications, so full of inspiration! I do plan on sharing the rest of this song, it's a very special one to me ♥ Thank you for your lovely comment!

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  7. I started my first journal when I was ten; sixty years ago. I've lived a full life, part joyful, part grief-stricken, the rest mundane. But I still write. I write to lessen grief, I write to enhance my joy. I write to articulate everything I want to understand and to remember.
    I would advise anyone who has not kept a journal to do so. It's my best habit (next to flossing)! �� Thank you for your good thoughts.

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    1. Hi Fran! Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience with writing. I love every reason you shared. You are so lucky to have years of your life documented - a trip down memory lane whenever you'd like, I imagine!

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  8. That journal is absolutely beautiful! Lucky gal :) I love your reasons for writing. I know that writing has been my lifeline and I can't imagine going a day without it. (P.S. I'm from the Blog Hop, so no need to enter me into the giveaway.)

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    1. The romantic in me is obsessed with anything that appears even remotely magical, so needless to say, I love this journal! I feel the same way - even if it is just a few simple words, I try to write everyday ♥ The Blog Hop was so fun to be a part of! I l o v e d your post, eat cake & have a tea party are my favorites :)

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  9. Love this post! I completely agree with all of the reasons that you gave for writing--so inspiring! Also, the lyrics that you shared from your new song sound lovely. :)

    Molly

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    1. Thank you for the lovely comment Molly! So glad you enjoyed this post! ♥

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  10. I like to write, but I don't have much time nowadays as a mom. When I was a kid I loved to draw the cover best of all! :-) Your photos are all impossibly gorgeous. So glad to have found your instagram account. ♡Jen @alovelylifejournal

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    1. Hi Jen! So nice to hear from you here - I'm so glad I came cross your Instagram account as well, it's so lovely! Thank you for the sweet words ♥

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  11. Your photos are beautiful Hayley! I'm rediscovering my love of journaling and agree with your list completely. Beautiful post.

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    1. Thank you Agnes! So glad you are rediscovering your love of journaling! ♥

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  12. This post is so beautiful in so many ways. I understand your love of writing. Do you think some of us are just born that way? However your list may certainly encourage a non-writer to give it a try too. I especially agree with your very first point about a conversation with a best friend! And your images are super dreamy and beautiful.

    I'm also a part of this blog hop and I'm really enjoying very much getting to know new people because of it.

    Love Tracie

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    1. I think we all have story inside us... but some of us have more of an absolutely necessity to tell it - writing is such a wonderful way to do so :) Thank you for the kind words! I agree, the blog hop introduced me to so many lovely blogs and sweet people behind them, like you! I've so enjoyed perusing through Life In the Wylde West!

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  13. Oh, Bella Grace is such a beautiful "place" to visit. I indulge myself with a few quiet moments when each issue comes out. It is so inspiring. And your list of reasons to write...a resounding yes! to all of them! I used to regularly journal my thoughts and hopes and dreams and fears, but I've left off doing that; I'm not sure why. I do believe I must start again. Thank you for the reminder of how necessary writing is!

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    1. Hi Lola! I agree, every issue is such a treat! I came upon a quote from you in this issue about rewarding yourself for doing things you don't feel like doing with a piece of dark chocolate & a cup of tea. As soon as I read it I thought, "that sounds exactly like me!!" Love that. So glad you are planning to write again, it's such a joy :)

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  14. Oh, what a lovely journal~ I want one-where did you find it?! Yes, all great reasons to write~ I find when I do, it anchors my heart~

    Nice to meet you,

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  15. Hi Hayley,
    When will the winner be announced?
    I wish my life was as perfect as yours appears to be! I'm jealous ;]
    - Kassidy

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    1. Hi Kassidy! The winner was contacted privately, but if you email me your address, I'd love to send you a card in the mail! - hayley.solano@gmail.com ♥

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