It's 6:08 AM, and I'm in a Hotel, Ready to Work

This article recounts the author's personal journey of self-discovery through writing. It begins with a candid description of their daily routine: waking up in a hotel room, writing before starting their work day, and their unwavering commitment to this practice.

The Unlikely Start to a Writing Habit

The author confesses that they struggled with consistency and commitment throughout their life, often starting new things only to abandon them. However, their experience in 2020, during the pandemic, proved to be a turning point.

• The unexpected shift to a work-from-home environment gave them a new perspective on time management and daily routine.
• Initially, they used their commute time to write, engaging in a process of self-reflection and exploring their thoughts.

The Pandemic's Impact on Work and Life

The author acknowledges that the pandemic drastically changed their routine and forced them to adapt. This period of transition led them to embrace writing as a means of processing their thoughts and navigating the uncertainty surrounding their work and personal life.

The Truth: Writing as a Tool for Processing Emotions

The author reveals that writing wasn't just a hobby or a distraction; it became an essential outlet for processing their feelings. During a period of professional and personal uncertainty, writing provided a space to explore their inner turmoil.

• They felt lost, confused, and unsure about their career path.
• Their emotions spilled onto the page, becoming a raw and honest portrayal of their internal struggles.

Writing as a Means to Make Sense of Work

Through their writing, the author began to understand the source of their confusion and anxiety surrounding their work. It helped them confront their insecurities, question their direction, and ultimately, gain clarity.

From Ordinary to Self-Awareness

The author emphasizes their ordinariness, rejecting the idea that they possessed extraordinary talents or aspirations. They simply wanted to make sense of their thoughts and feelings, especially those related to their work.

A Daily Routine of Reflection and Discovery

Their writing became a daily ritual, a means of both expressing and understanding their emotions. Each day, they explored a new thought, questioned their assumptions, and sought resolution in the act of writing.

• They discovered that writing wasn't just about writing; it was about the process of self-discovery.
• They embraced the uncertainty of the writing process, acknowledging that it was a journey of both frustration and fulfillment.

Finding Peace in a Simple Routine

The author emphasizes the simplicity of their routine. Waking up, writing, and then working, it's a consistent framework that allows them to find a sense of balance and clarity in their work and life.

• Writing became a form of mindfulness, helping them to understand their feelings, and cope with the demands of their work.
• They embraced the everyday, finding meaning and purpose in a simple but intentional routine.

A Call to Action

The author encourages readers to find their own ways of making sense of their thoughts, emotions, and work experiences. They believe that writing, or any form of creative expression, can be a powerful tool for self-discovery.