Since this blog was borne of my journey to grow as a person this year – and every year – I decided to share a few ideas that I use to help myself improve the quality of life through writing. Putting thoughts into words can be one of the most amazing experiences in life…it is the reason authors write, and it is a fantastic way to improve your life.

1. Start a blog! – YearToGrow was an idea I had which would serve as an outlet for my ideas, lessons learned, and challenges overcome during this year of incredible change for me. It allows me to organize and write down my thoughts, and at the same time, may actually help someone else in the process! I like that…which is why I really do love to blog (when I have the chance).

2. Keep a journal – I’ve never been one to be “touchy-feely”, and keeping a journal seems like it would be the last thing I would ever do. But my journal is not to vent my daily anger and pain…I use it to make notes of lessons I’ve learned, whenever one happens to come my way. It’s a great way to keep ideas organized, and make sure you never forget them!

3. Participating in forums and blogs – I like to join in discussions on my favorite blogs and forum topics whenever I get the chance. It’s a great way to “get the juices flowing”, to keep your mind sharp, and to stay involved in current events. By leaving comments on blog posts, you get your point across and tell the world that you’re not afraid to get involved. Find your favorite website, and start becoming active on it – not just a visitor to it!

4. Write a mini book! - Of course you can write a book about your life! Maybe your only readers will be friends and family, but who cares? If it’s always been a dream of yours, you won’t be wasting time on writing it! Time is never wasted when you act deliberately. Writing a book – however small or large – brings out the true person in you. It’s difficult to write unless you are passionate about your topic. Putting together a book will help you explore your mind, bring out the artist in you, and will be an accomplishment you’ll never forget!

5. Write letters. - Whether it’s to your grandmother or your childhood sports hero, write a letter to them! Express your appreciation for what they have meant in your lives, and let them know what they mean to you. Write a letter to your Congressional representative. It might sound corny, but it will improve your life by letting these people that you “get it” – that you truly appreciate what they mean to you. Sometimes improving your life begins by improving someone else’s!

Overall, writing can really help you to settle down, organize your thoughts, and make sense of them. This improves your life by helping you to become a more self-aware individual, and it can be really fun at the same time!