It’s interesting that this week’s prompt is the word, “But.”

I’ve noticed while journaling the amount of times I write the word “but” to start a sentence. I would pause, and think of another word, then tell myself, “Well, this journal is just for me, no one else is going to read it, so it doesn’t matter.” However it does matter. Somewhat.

Something has to be wrong when I write “but” ten times in a fifty-word paragraph. Okay, I’m exaggerating a bit, but still. Freewriting is a skill. I’ve participated in a few freewriting forums, and I’m amazed at the vignettes and poems these writers, pen.

Even when I am drafting pieces, I write “but” a lot. That forces me to rewrite the sentence upon revision. It makes for skillful writing practice and helps me write creatively. After all, how many synonyms are there for the word, “but?”

Yet, I enjoy the revision process. To see my spewed draft transform into a fresh piece. Tedious at times, yes, yet, rewarding.

Journaling for me can be tedious as well. Sometimes. However, I’ve made it a commitment to journal every day. Some days it’s a joy. Other days I struggle. Yet I write. At the end of the sessions, I’m at peace.

If my word of the year is creativity, then I should write creative sentences even while drafting.

Maybe in my private journaling, I should try and limit the amount of times I write “but.” To practice skillful freewriting. This will give me confidence to read what I’ve written at the freewriting forums. I’ll give it a try, although it may be difficult, as bad habits are hard to break. However, we’ll see.

This post is part of the weekly Five Minute Friday link-up for the prompt, But.

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