Starting to write again has been an intriguing journey for me, full of surprises and learnings. It all began when I realized that my mood often sparked my writing. During a chat with a friend, we talked about how we could motivate each other and the challenges we faced in our writing journeys. This led me to think more deeply about how I write and what gets me going.

In reality, the picture of a writer getting hit by a wave of inspiration out of nowhere isn’t the full story. For many, writing isn’t always an outpouring of feelings or thoughts but a conscious practice that needs effort. That’s where understanding our triggers to write and developing a writing habit becomes important.

Each of us may have different triggers to start writing. For me, it’s mostly my moods. But it could be anything – a song, an event, or even a casual chat. The trick is to keep an eye out, be patient, and stay open to everything happening around us.

But here’s the catch: what if the mood doesn’t strike, or our usual triggers aren’t working? That’s where the power of discipline comes in. A study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology suggests that it takes 18 to 254 days for a person to form a new habit, with 66 days being the average. Building a regular writing routine, like my goal of writing one article per week, can provide that necessary structure.

So, writing becomes a bit like walking a tightrope, balancing between creativity sparked by triggers and the structured discipline of a regular routine. This balance lets us explore our creative depths while keeping up the momentum.

Right now, it’s all about discovery – figuring out what works best, understanding the play of moods, triggers, and discipline, and growing as a writer. The first challenge I’m tackling – setting up a regular writing cadence – has already taught me a lot.

In the end, writing isn’t just about putting words on paper. It’s about self-discovery, balancing creativity with discipline, and sharing the stories that define us. So to all writers out there, let’s keep discovering, keep writing, and keep cherishing this amazing art that connects us all.