Writing Exercise #1: Begin Where You Are

The hardest part of writing is perhaps the first sentence.

This sentence is like taking your foot off the brake. All day long, we stop ourselves from thinking, feeling, and expressing certain things. We filter. Sometimes, there simply isn’t enough time to say everything we feel. Other times, we prefer not to share everything with others. But within us exists an entire world of thoughts, emotions, and unspoken words. So, when we finally sit down to write, all of them rush forward, eager to be the first to land on the page.

Try this writing exercise to get the ball rolling:

Start Where You Are

Begin by describing your immediate surroundings.

• Where are you sitting?

• Are you wearing something cozy?

• Do you have a blanket, a cup of tea, or your pet nearby?

• What objects are around you?

  
  

Engage Your Senses

• What do you see?

• What do you hear? Music, birds, distant chatter?

• What scents are in the air?

• Can you taste the remnants of your last sip of coffee or tea?

• How does your body feel in this moment?

  
  

Add More Detail

• What time is it?

• What were you doing before this?

• What will you do after?

Why This Works

By focusing on what’s in front of you, you bypass the pressure of writing something "important" or "perfect." Instead, you ease into a natural rhythm, letting thoughts unfold organically.

Let yourself be fully present in this moment, writing everything as it is. And if a thought, feeling, or completely unrelated idea pops into your mind, follow it. Let your words wander. If you ever feel stuck again, simply return to describing your present moment.

The goal of this exercise is to remove hesitation and fear around the first sentence. Once your thoughts begin to flow, lean in and let yourself write freely.

Give this exercise a try and see where it takes you. You might be surprised at what appears on the page.

Have you tried this exercise? Share your experience in the comments!