For example, writing can help us learn how to express ourselves better and understand ourselves better. It can help us learn to communicate better, to write better, to think better. It can help us understand how to deal with people, how to negotiate, how to make difficult decisions, how to use our time more efficiently, and, most importantly, how to learn to be happy with ourselves.
When I was in elementary school, I was told I was creative. I did not like that word, because I was told that I was “special,” and this made me feel bad. The world was NOT full of creative people. Everyone seemed to think they were creative.
I learned to write correctly in the third grade. I learned the importance of proper grammar, usage, and spelling when I was writing. I still do.
The creative writing class I took in middle school was the first experience I had with structured instruction. The professor used a five-step outline to help students structure their writing. He told us that he would listen to our creative writing, but he would not make suggestions, let alone grade it. He wanted us to get the ideas out on our own and to think for ourselves.
The process of writing has helped me to clarify my thoughts and organize my ideas.