"我写作的原因是为了不让我一生都在梦游。"

Writing is a powerful tool for self-awareness and a way to live with intention. When someone says they write to avoid sleepwalking through life, they're highlighting the importance of being conscious and present in their own existence. It's about using writing as a way to reflect on their experiences, thoughts, and emotions, rather than just drifting through the days without truly engaging with the world around them.

Imagine someone caught up in the daily grind—work, chores, the same old routine. It's easy to go on autopilot, right? You get up, go through the motions, and before you know it, another year has passed. Writing breaks that cycle. It forces you to stop and think about what you're doing and why. It's like a wake-up call to live more deliberately.

This idea isn't new. Take the 19th-century poet and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. He went to live in a cabin in the woods by Walden Pond to strip life down to its essentials. His writing was a way to explore and understand his purpose. He didn't want to get to the end of his life and realize he hadn't truly lived.

Think of someone like a busy executive who starts journaling every morning. At first, it's just a way to plan the day. But gradually, it becomes a deeper reflection. They start writing about what really matters to them—family, passions, dreams. They realize they're spending too much time on things that don't align with their values. Writing helps them course-correct and make more meaningful choices.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start small. Grab a notebook or open a blank document on your computer. Try setting aside just ten minutes a day to write. It doesn't have to be profound or perfect. Write about your day, your thoughts, your feelings. Ask yourself questions like, "What am I grateful for?" or "What do I want to achieve?" It's not about the act of writing itself, but about what it reveals to you.

Imagine sitting in a cozy coffee shop. You're watching the world go by outside the window. You take out your journal and start writing about the people you see, the thoughts running through your mind, the little moments that made you smile today. As you write, you begin to see patterns. Maybe you notice you're happiest when you spend time in nature, or that you've been neglecting a hobby you love. This awareness prompts you to make changes—to spend more weekends hiking, to pick up that old guitar again.

It's a bit like having a conversation with yourself. You get to know yourself better, and in the process, you start living more intentionally. So next time you feel like life is passing you by, try putting pen to paper. You might be surprised by what you discover.