Five Reasons to Write Every Day

Some of my fondest childhood memories involve swimming. The daycare taking us all to Muir beach. A car full of neighborhood kids headed to the big public pool a few towns over. Daily swimming lessons with neighborhood friends in the summers. Slowly climbing the “big diving board,” staring down at the water as everyone behind me in line yelled for me to jump and get out the way and climbing slowly back down the ladder — until one year, I made the leap — making it possible for me to eventually obtain “junior lifeguard” status. My convent days put an end to my habit and love of swimming — and raising children, I didn’t make it a priority.

Arthritis has crept into my knees over the last few years, so in May, I dove back into swimming. Perhaps, more accurately, I tip-toed. I found two pools within a 15-min bike ride and began “staying in motion” for an hour a few times a week. Slowly I improved in endurance and form. Now I’m swimming thirty 20-yard lengths an hour, breaststroke.

I’ve been amazed at my progress! And I realized that with the proper equipment and consistent practice, I got better.

I couldn’t help but wonder, what else could I apply this awareness to?

And today it dawned on me: writing!

So, I announce my intention to spend at least one hour a day writing. I will write. I won’t…