When we are created, God gave each of us a unique ability or skill. Some have the gift of hospitality, some have the gift of teaching or communicating, some are super talented with their hands and some have a magical ability to write and create amazing stories. These are just a few examples of our God-given gifts; there are so many more gifts God instilled in us and way to many to list! 

I am seeking Him for clarity in my unique skill. A long time ago, a teacher once said I had a gift for writing. It just came naturally to me to write about things that are meaningful. Now, communicating about personal things was never easy! I don't know about you, are you a better communicator or writer? For me, I could never find the right words, the right way to say what I was trying to convey or my feelings. My words would get caught in my throat, sweat would bead up on the back of my neck and my stomach would turn into a major knot.  Writing for me has always been easier.  There is no pressure, I can say exactly what I want to say and I don't have possibly judging eyes staring at me. It's kinda therapeutic. 

If you're having trouble communicating, like me, and you want to try writing...maybe it's your thing and you just don't know it yet! Give these tips below a whirl and let me know which method you prefer!  And let me add that if you are more of a verbal communicator, the tips below will still be helpful for you in relaying to others exactly what you want to say.

Tip 1: Pray before speaking or writing...pray for guidance, wisdom and clarity

Tip 2: Write down your main idea or thought

Tip 3: Write down some situations or examples

Tip 4: Keep on topic!  Try not to venture off on a tangent, keep focused.

Tip 5: What feelings are you experiencing? Fear, saddness, anxiety, tension, butterflies, knots, dry mouth, hesitation, happiness, carefree? These are a few examples of feelings, write them down on the side margins of your paper so you can acknowledge them later.

Tip 6: Your writing can be short or lengthy. It depends on you!  

Tip 7: Read and re-read your writing to ensure what you've written is how you want what you need to say to come out. That was a mouthful but trust me, it makes sense. 

Tip 8: Be honest with the other person...and with yourself!  Don't sugarcoat anything or beat around the bush. Be upfront and truthful and have the other persons heart in the front of your mind. No need to be vengeful or intentionally hurtful because you will not feel any better after you get it out. 

Tip 9: You can either give the other person your writing OR what I have done in the past is I have read my letter to the other person.  That way I was guaranteed not to fumble over my words or feel stuck or hesitant and give up what I wanted to say. That never solves anything. 

Tip 10: Have courage and stillness. The words will come to you. It may not be all at one time, it may be over the course of a few days or weeks or months. But try not to let it go out too long otherwise there is a chance that opportunity will not come again.