I write every day. Almost without fail, after the alarm sounds in the morning, I fix a cup of coffee, grab my Bible, and open my notebook. When this habit formed, I cannot recall, but it’s now an embedded routine. Although the beginning of this morning ritual is hazy, I do know the urge to complete it is constant.

But why? Why do I write?

I’ve given this topic consideration over the years and here are three personal reasons I write daily.

1. It helps me think.

I’m a thinker. My wife often encourages me to get out of my head, but I can’t help it. It’s my default setting. Unfortunately, like many others, I’m prone to overthink. However, writing helps me slow my thoughts, so I can evaluate them. Putting pen to paper keeps me from being overwhelmed with a flood of thoughts, because each one comes through the floodgate of my pen.

2. It documents my life.

Socrates stated, “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Daily journaling (or blogging) leaves a trace of where I’ve traveled in this life. This travel is not only physical, but mental, and spiritual too. Writing leaves breadcrumbs to show how far I’ve come or if I’ve stayed too long.

3. It maintains my creativity.

Writing is like any other discipline. It takes practice. Writing daily keeps the creative muscle from atrophy. It doesn’t get easier to climb the hill of creativity, but you do get stronger and the climb becomes more enjoyable.

It’s not an exhaustive list by any means, but these are the three major reasons I continue to write each day. What discipline do you practice each day? I’d like to hear it in the comments.