Learning Moments

How Writing Shapes Ideas

Do you prefer thinking with paper and pen, or do you enjoy quietly processing your thoughts in your head?

I’m a writer-thinker.

I journal for self-reflection, discovery, and learning, and share some of those insights in this blog as polished reflections.

Writing as a Thinking Tool 

Writing has always been my way of learning and understanding. It’s how I process ideas, untangle my thoughts, confront worries and doubts, and make sense of the world around me. Writing allows me to view challenges through a fresh perspective and uncover new possibilities. 

I instinctively reach for paper and pen when I listen. If I don’t have a notebook at hand, I make a mental note to capture it later. I write to summarise great reads or inspiring talks, and I jot down key points before important conversations. Writing isn’t just a practice—it’s how I think, listen, and learn. 

Writing to Discover and Create 

Writing sharpens my attention and sparks new ideas. I write myself into new ideas, and as I journal, the words often lead me to unexpected places, uncovering connections and possibilities I hadn’t imagined. My free-writing moments are full of discovery.

For instance, the wish for “colour pots” first appeared in my journal long before I began experimenting with them (you can read more about it in my blog post). Likewise, the seeds of my Ecocycle Cafe initiative were planted in written ideas before becoming reality.

My Practice: Journaling and Filling Pages

My journaling practice is a space for free-flowing thoughts, where I don’t edit or judge myself. I either follow prompts or fill pages with raw, unfiltered ideas—much like a personal newsletter to myself (an idea inspired by Dave Gray). It’s not a diary, but a coincidental journal, a space to explore, discover, and connect the dots between thoughts and insights.

The rules are simple:

• Set a timer.
• Keep writing until the timer stops.
• No editing, no judgment—just flow.

Magic often happens when I think I’ve nothing left to say—when the dots suddenly connect, and unexpected insights emerge on the page.

I love these moments of insight and discovery. 

I write for these moments. 

The Joy of Writing

A friend recently asked, “You need to write, don’t you?” And the answer is yes. I love writing. It brings me joy, even when it’s challenging and tough. The flow, where words shape thoughts effortlessly, is deeply satisfying. Writing is a journey into the unknown, driven by curiosity and wonder. The surprises and discoveries along the way make it almost addictive. I write with the hope of breakthroughs, knowing they’re not guaranteed, but always possible.

I’m curious: How do you unlock your creativity? What methods or practices help you process your thoughts and spark new insights? Share your favourite ways below in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

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The bit at the end

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• Related Stories:  Seeing the Bigger Picture. A Lesson in Perspective from a Feline Acrobat.

Reach out,  I’m always open for a chat.
Creatively,
Nadia

P.S.The paintings featured on the blog are my own.