Learn to Write and Read

📌WRITE

Many people like to read, but few enjoy writing. That's probably because most of our writing experiences have centered around undesirable projects, such as research papers in school. And unlike reading book, there's no such thing as "skimming" your writing. There are no shortcuts.

Another reason why people are reluctant to write is that they're afraid someone else is going to read what they're written. When you get past writing for a grade in school, you developed a self-consciousness. Maybe you can't get past the idea that someone's going to "grade" you for spelling and grammar. Maybe you're afraid someone will criticize-or worse -laugh at what you've written (especially when it's not supposed to be funny).

So rarely write and you miss out on one of the greatest forms of communication and self-expression. Here's a fact. When you express yourself writing, you reveal more about yourself than you ever could by talking, even if you aren't writing about yourself. Writing forces you to choose your words more carefully because it forces you to think more deeply.

This is just a simple help on how you begin a personal writing career. Forget about becoming the next great American novelist or even getting published (although I'd be the last discourage you). What we have in mind is personal writing-also known as journaling-that may never be ready by another soul (okay, the pressure's off).

Here's an easy to start a journal. Buy one of those blank books (all the bookstores carry them ) and begin jotting down your feelings about stuff. Write down the details of your life and then tell yourself how they are affecting you. Don't worry about grammar or spelling. Just write.

Write how you feel about the people in your life. Write how you feel about God. For inspiration in this area, read the Psalms, which contain some of the most personal and passionate writing in the Bible. If you take a little time a few times each week to jot down your thoughts, you will be amazed at the results. You'll find that the small stuff in your life will feel more ordered, and big stuff won't seem so imposing.

• Get into the habit of writing thank you notes, even for the little thing's or acts of kindness.❤

📌READ

Someone one said that you'll be the same person five years from now as you are today except for the people you meet and the books you read. The idea is that you won't grow as a person unless you bring new (and hopefully positive) influences into your life.

The alternative is to do what most people do-nothing. The rarely or never make new friends, seek out mentors, or build into the lives of others. They rarely or never read meaningful and enriching books and articles (newspaper, gossip magazines, and TV Guide don't count).

Don't get me wrong. I'm not saying that you should dump your old friends in favor of some new ones (unless you're running around with a bunch of losers). And I'm not saying you should avoid all things frivolous when you read. I'm just issuing you a challenge to step up your friendships and your reading habits to the next level.

Reading is the gateway for growth. Books contain information, insight, and inspiration-all which contribute significantly to your mental and spiritual development. Without the guidance of books, you're guessing at best. You're like a boat at sea without compass or map: You have the power to get somewhere but you have no direction.

Books contain the experiences of people who have failed miserably as well as those who have achieved greatly (both are useful). Good books also present ideas and concepts that stretch beyond our self-imposed limits.

This is especially true with the Bible. The greatest book ever written will teach, correct, inspire, and point you to the Author. King David wrote that the words of God are "more desirable than gold" and "sweeter than honey" (Psalm 19:10 NLT). The Bible is the basic guide for life. Read it daily. And make it a habit to read other enriching books as well.

• Build your personal library with hard cover books that will transcend centuries and circumstances.❤