The need to write

We all have those "things" that we need to do in order to deal with life. For me it is writing or sweating. The writing is purely mental, unless it is for work. The sweating from exercise is probably the best thing since it makes me sweat and gives me a mental break from things. So exercise has a two-fold benefit. But writing, like this blog, often times helps me hash out or deal with feelings. But there are those times when writing is just that, writing, and I'm not sure why or what is propelling me to write.  

I'm sure there are a million different ways to deal with life, the stress and garbage we all have on a daily basis. I had a friend tell me that her boyfriend has found a bar in Des Moines that is open to anyone for Tuesday night jam sessions. She said her boyfriend plans on making these Tuesday night jam sessions a weekly habit. He is in music education and recently was diagnosed with a life changing health issue so I get why he is doing this. It's his way of dealing and I'm betting he enjoys it and it does him a great deal of mental good. 

I have another friend who cooks and bakes, this is her stress reliever. She is a very good cook and always willing to share samples and her recipes. This is her stress reliever. Her friends and family benefit from this!

As a kid my mom always said she could tell my mood by how loud or what music I played on the piano. I would play loudly and usually it was heavy or dark music, or I would bang out scales and cadences if I was stressed or angry-making my fingers fly up and down the piano keys. Or I would play mellow, easy flowing songs with feeling if I was not stressed. I wish I still did this but I am so rusty on the piano and I can't find the time to sit down and practice. It was interesting to hear this from my mom. 

Everyone has different stress relievers and they range from reading to working on cars to chopping wood to riding dirt bikes and a million other things. I find it interesting to get to know people and hear what they do to relieve stress, whether they realize it or not. Some people shop, some read, some just sit and mindlessly watch tv-sports or scary shows or a favorite feel good movie or television show. Some people eat for relaxation, while others clean. It's what makes us tick and unique.

But the best advice I can find in all of this, as I'm writing....is do what helps you deal with life. Do what helps you de-stress or makes you feel good. Do it for you, do it for your mental health and for your physical health. But mostly do it for the wellbeing and safety of those around you! And as long as your "dealing activity" is not destructive to you or someone else, its all good. 

I'm done with writing for today...back to life!