Games are played, one at a time. If you lose today, unless something tragically happens, there will be another one tomorrow. Television's Dr. Phil said, "Everyone wants to be a hero on Saturday. The big difference between winners and losers is that winners work hard every day to do what it takes to win." If you fail your writing task today, you can start again tomorrow. However, losing seasons occur when in end, you have lost more than you have won. Most new writers and seasoned ones as well, don't write as much as they can on a daily basis.

Even writing part-time, two pages per day is a good start, and more can easily be done if effort is put forth. However, most of us need that extra push from someone who genuinely cares about us and our project, to keep us in game. Although it is good to find a like-minded individual, in some ways, your accountability partner's character should be diametrically opposed to your character.

For example, if you know you need a lot of hand-holding, your accountability partner should definitely be a self-starter. If you are a pessimist, your partner should be an optimist. However, if you are an optimist, it is usually better for you not to pick a pessimist for your partner.

Have you ever been in position of feeling you just "gotta buy" something. Let’s say you are watching television and you see something you "gotta have." Or maybe a friend recommends a book and you still have 10 others to read but recommendation is haunting you. How about seeing something, someone else has that you just "gotta have." The urge, just doesn't want to relinquish its grip even with conscious "fighting it" thoughts. By writing a release letter, you can release this urge at least majority of time.

You can also use release letters to move you past urge to eat something that isn't on your food plan.

After several release letters you can even see what need is expressing itself and triggering these reactions. Once you identify trigger, process need usually subsides. There is no guarantee that this will work all time, however, you will probably find it provides release majority of time.

Style 3: Wisdom letters. A wisdom letter is writing to your wisdom self. A wisdom letter works well after a release letter because it enables process of moving on. The experience allows wisdom transition into learning and usually into a more positive light.

Adding dialogue, either in part or as whole letter, is an excellent way to enhance experience. Initials will help you transition between wisdom self to other self.

Style 4: Thank you letters. Since my parents passed, I'm always coming across things I want to thank them for. Even small things seemed important to share. Now, in hindsight and wisdom, I can see how even small things rippled through my life. These letters are also a special way for keeping their memory alive.

We both know that an attitude of gratitude is a peaceful place to be and thank you letters is one avenue you can use to be on that path. Our gratitude feelings fuel our spiritual connections with universe and with all living things. Peacefulness is also very attractive to others and what we want to manifest in life.

You can also use one of these letter styles to let go of "wish I had said that instead" thoughts and feelings or to share unfulfilled wishes and dreams that no longer fit but can't seem to move on.

Letter writing is an excellent way to find closure or complete unfinished business in order to heal or learn. Whether you have or haven't already been using letter writing in your journal, dedicate a whole week or two to exercise. You might think that when you finish one letter, there isn't another reason to write another. Be patient, another will probably appear because you have uncovered what was on top. When you get tired of exercise, stop, and switch to another technique.

(C) Copyright 2005, Catherine Franz.