A breath of fresh air for your mind

I’ve been exploring daily writing prompts for several years. A writing prompt offers writers a starting point through a question, statement or image that inspires exploration of a specific topic or idea. For instance, “Imagine you’re a time traveler. Describe the most interesting historical event you witnessed” serves as an example that sparks creative storytelling.

Daily prompts feel like a welcome home for writers, exploring different styles and ideas. It’s the perfect tool for anyone looking to develop their writing skills or just to find a comfortable, inspiring environment to write in.

I journal most days, usually in the morning while sitting in my favorite spot with a cup of coffee. Daily prompts allow my mind to explore other ideas than what I do daily. I give myself 10 minutes to write what the prompt brings to mind.

There are cellphone apps for a small monthly fee that will send me a daily writing prompt. I tried one and the prompts were pretty good, but the internet is full of websites that offer writing prompts at no cost. It’s important to not come up with the prompts yourself so you can’t think of answers before the question is presented to you.

I found a website with fun, not too serious prompts, www.theteacherscorner.net, that gives a year’s worth of daily prompts. Most of the prompts are related to calendar events that include birthdays, holidays, monthly celebrations and important dates in history. 

According to the website’s calendar, the writing prompt for today is “Today is National Walk Around Things Day. You’ve always been taught to …" 

I opened a blank document on my laptop and started writing what came to mind: “I was shown how to zigzag through life, a lesson from my dad and his mom, my grandma Hazel. They enjoyed spending most of their time outside gardening, mowing and planting things. We went on many camping trips and hikes, where my dad taught me to see the little details of life. I learned to meander, to pause at interesting sights, to follow curved paths rather than straight ones. This stands in stark contrast to what the business world drilled into me later in life: Time is money. Take the shortest path between points A and B. Efficiency above all. But on days like today, I honor my family’s wisdom by deliberately walking around things. The extra steps bring unexpected joys — a conversation with a stranger, the intricate network of tiny leaves and stems of moss that hang from a tree, the vibrant colors of the tiniest sea shells. Sometimes, efficiency costs us life’s hidden treasures.” 

I gave the same daily prompt to two people on my newsroom team. Julia reached for a pad of paper and a pen. Ashley opened a blank document on her laptop. Both wrote about experiences way different from mine. These are the enjoyable paths that writing prompts take, something unique to everyone and a breath of fresh air for your mind to travel to the past, contemplate on experiences happening in the present or explore your imagination.

What path will you take with today’s prompt? I would enjoy reading where “National Walk Around Things Day” leads your creativity. Share your response (300 words or less) to today’s prompt with me at tdishman@fbnewsleader.com. Sometimes the most enjoyable journeys begin with just a few words and a cup of coffee.

Tracy Dishman is the editor of the News-Leader. tdishman@fbnewsleader.com