Write2Ignite

Similarity Between PT and Writing

According to the Cleveland Clinic online, physical therapy (or PT) is a medical treatment used to restore functional movements, such as standing, walking, and moving different body parts. Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for medical conditions or injuries resulting in pain, movement dysfunction, or limited mobility.

Several years ago, I went to physical therapy three times a week for multiple months. While I exercised, I was struck by the similarity between physical therapy and writing. Today, I’d like to share a little of what I discovered at that time with you.

Similarity #1

I didn’t know what brought the others to therapy, but I knew what brought me. A broken hip.

Why do you put your thoughts down on paper?

Just as I didn’t know what brought the others to PT, I don’t know your reasons to write, but I do know mine. To glorify God with what he’s given me to share with others. From reading what is put in the Write 2 Ignite blog posts, I’d say many of you do the same.

Maybe our reasons are the same. Maybe not. Just as it didn’t matter what brought those of us in PT to PT, I don’t believe it matters whether our reasons for writing are the same or not, just as long as we put in the time and do the work to accomplish what we feel God wants us to accomplish.

Similarity #2

Each of us in PT had our own individual needs and plans. We had individual differences regarding what brought us to PT. Our rates of recovery were different. As was our willingness to push past pain and do the hard stuff.

As writers, we each have our own individual needs. We have an individual God-given plan for how to meet them.

Our genre and writing style are not always the same. We may differ in our rate of reaching our goals.

It could be that our willingness to push past the pain of rejections, low sales, harsh critiques or reviews and do the hard stuff is different as well.

Similarity #3

In PT I had no way of knowing how hard the others worked, nor did I know what the effort costs them. All I knew was how hard I worked and what the effort cost me. Therefore, I didn’t need to compare myself with what someone across the aisle from me did.

I don’t know how hard you work at your craft and what the effort costs you. But I do know how hard I work and what the effort costs me. As with PT, no comparison is needed.

Maybe something that was easy for me at PT was difficult for others and vice versa. Perhaps I easily handled weights they struggled with. Or maybe they handled with ease the increased repetitions I sometimes found exhausting.

Maybe an element of writing you struggle to master is not a problem for me. Perhaps you easily stay in deep point of view, while I head-hop all over the place.

Similarity #4

Each of us in PT had goals. Some goals took longer to reach than others. There were those who joined therapy after me, who left before I did. Some were there when I began, yet, remained after I left. We all progressed differently according to our need and ability.

I don’t know what your goals are or where you are in reaching them. Perhaps your goal is to write with God and your words are meant for his eyes only. Maybe you intend to share your words with family or friends. Your ultimate goal might be to publish your work for all the world to see.

Your Turn

No, just as I didn’t know the personal goals of those who were in PT with me, I don’t know your goals either. But what I do know is this. We each come to writing for individual reasons. God’s plan for our writing is not cookie-cutter. How boring would that be?

We have different goals, purposes, strengths, weaknesses, and abilities. Whatever we do with those is between us and God. I would add…as long as we work as unto the Lord, and not as unto man.

What is your ultimate goal for your writing?

I wish you well.

Sandy

Here’s another post on the similarity of writing and physical activity.

Here’s what you can expect from me. In my posts, you’ll find words of encouragement for writers, book reviews, and discussions on the craft of writing. I am a former elementary school teacher, regular contributor to Guideposts devotional books, and a conference speaker. I write articles, devotions, and stories for adult and children’s publications. You can find me every Tuesday and Thursday at www.sandykirbyquandt.com. Please stop by.