This is my writing story. How it started…
Finding My Voice: SparklyWarTanks
I started blogging in 2015 following a class project in my senior year of college. Unaware of the impact writing will have on my mental health, I maintained a steady habit. When I felt anxious, depressed or even inspired and ready to take over the world, I wrote something. No matter the circumstance or situation, I continued to write. I called this new ignited excitement for writing SparklyWarTanks, a phrase that combines the ideas of being “pretty and ”together” with also being at ”war” and ”struggling.”
SparklyWarTanks became an extension of me, who I wanted to become and the perspective I wished to build. My everyday writing changed and transformed into therapy writing; writing about pain, acceptance, identity, and struggle. I wrote to feel free, to challenge myself, and to improve my mental wellness. Writing gave me strength, peace, and my own voice.
Finding My Voice: Asking Important Questions
As SparklyWarTanks progressed during the first year, themes and patterns emerged in my writing style. I began to write mental health articles along with my motivational and creative content. Eager to build a more stable and workable sense of self, I felt refreshed when my imagination flooded with ideas.
To keep the content flowing, I often asked myself important questions. Whether these questions were related to me directly, or for my target audience to grapple with (mostly young adults, especially women, figuring themselves out), my goal was to challenge notions of self-development and self-acceptance. I wanted to construct a progressive view of growth.
Some of the questions were, but not limited to:
- How do I feel?
- How do I want/deserve to feel?
- Who am I?
- Who am I becoming?
- What do I want to achieve?
Through writing, I began to create and mold myself while also advocating for a communal and collective sense of awareness for my readers. As a community, what do we need to do to improve how we see ourselves? I wanted to help others while also helping myself. I wanted my growth to help others grow as well.
Continuing in the present…
Writing and Creative Expression: Creativity and Mental Health
Progressing in my writing craft and finding who I want to be through my projects and perspective is nothing short of soul-satisfying. Writing and creative expression not only helps me build a new perspective on growth, vulnerability, and self-awareness but also helps me manage my depressive and anxious symptoms as well. The more I write and ask myself important questions, the more I’m able to identify my t riggers and heal through them.
Different genres and approaches I experiment with in my writing include:
- Affirmations/Declarations
- Motivational Quotes
- Bulletins
- Notes
- Poetry
- Activities
- Challenges
Topics such as self-talk, self-care, self-love, self-worth, power, reflection and potential guide my views and shift how I think, especially during the tough days. I write to think through what I believe; I write to build and create my truth. Mental
health and self-development now connect with one another. How I want to feel includes taking care of myself physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Are you thinking of starting a writing habit?
Next Steps: You Can Write Too
Writing can be for all of us. Whether for fun, to vent, or to get your thoughts onto something and out of your head, writing can help! Writing can be whatever you make of it. If it’s to share or to keep to yourself, whatever you create is something to be proud of.
Consider these questions when starting to write:
- Why am I writing?
- What do I want to write about?
- What do I want to say?
- Who do I want to say it to?
- What overall message do I want to portray?
Need help? You can check out my SkillShare class to get started!
Dear Nina,
SparklyWarTanks 