I think you can forget what an amazing experience it can be to write. I think, after not writing for a certain period of time, it's easy to forget how much you love writing.

I had a break from writing, probably due to my business picking up a lot last year, and my sisters pregnancy and running to and from the hospital due to how ill she became; family stress, not having much personal time, being too tired after such a long day to write. I could compile the longest list as to why I did not write.

This year I decided to participate in NaNoWriMo. Have I written as much as I thought I would? Well - I did not set myself a goal. You might think that ridiculous, but I knew with my crazy schedule that putting myself under the pressure of having to reach a goal would probably put me off joining in. So I have used this month and the project to get myself back into writing.

I absolutely loved it. Sure, I probably haven't written half as much as other people who take part this month - but I rediscovered my love of writing. It has been such an encouragement! I didn't fail because I didn't achieve so many words, I didn't feel discouraged because I didn't quite make the cut. I have felt so encouraged because I realised what I was missing!

If you haven't written for a while, and you have a list as long as your arm as to why you no longer have the time to write - throw it in the bin! Even if you only write a little every day, or even if you have a busy schedule to the point of only writing once a week, I am challenging you to rediscover your love for writing. It's easy to forget how relaxing it can be in time of stress or upset, just to lose yourself in your own imagination. Having a bit of personal time to do something you love.

I don't know, maybe this is something everyone has been through at some point, but it's been an exciting month for me.

I went through a few periods in the past where I didn't write much for one reason or another, and I was always happier once I was writing again.

I haven't written anything since May. I get document guilt. I can't write something I want to write unless my work responsibilities and personal commitments are filled. I get really stressed trying to write when I know other things need to get done.

I go for long periods of time (months, even years!) without writing, but once I actually sit down and do it it's extremely satisfying. The thing about writing for me is that it's both the most frustrating and the most rewarding of all my hobbies. When it's not working, it drives me up the wall. When it is working, it's incredibly intellectually and emotionally stimulating in a way that writing a program or constructing a grammar or even reading a good book isn't. It leaves a mark on me.

But I still keep wondering if it's truly a good use of my time. Sure, it blesses me, but is it going to bless others? Is it going to further God's Kingdom? Or just suck up hours of my time and leave me with a little happiness and a few more ideas in my head?