I’ve been thinking about Portugal a lot lately. A year ago, I was finishing my packing and finalizing the details to move there.

It seems so fresh and yet so long ago, both at the same time.

Would it be the same if I still were there? I don’t know.

Missing Portugal

Of course, I miss it, especially my friends and dear flatmates. When they send a message, I get a little thrill. I love watching my flatmate Sanam’s videos and seeing her pictures on Instagram. It lets me feel connected in a small way to my life there.

Since I published my book, I’ve been posting a daily picture from Portugal on my Instagram author page. As I consider which images to choose, I recall where I was and with whom. Each day I’m taken back to special places and times. (These images also are posted to my Facebook author page. You are welcome and encouraged to follow me in both places!)

Even my routine days were special in Portugal. I knew I was there for only a few months, so I savored every moment, every day.

But it wasn’t vacation. I worked and wrote while I was there. The things I did for fun are similar to things I do here: get together with friends, walk, visit parks and museums, take pictures, go to the market, cook. Only when I had friends visit did I do a lot of tourist things, crammed into a few days.

My favorite things were to explore new areas on foot and visit museums. I planned once a week to go to a museum. Many of them were very inexpensive yet fascinating.

Thinking of going back to Portugal

Everyone wants to know if I’ll go back. Yes, I will. Portugal felt so right. I still think it will be a great location to live in Europe and be close to travel there.

When I go to live, I’ll apply for a residency Visa so I can stay longer than three months. But I may not move there for a while or permanently. Instead, I may make a few more visits while I spend more time stateside with my family and friends here.

I’ve got a big hole in my heart for it, though. I miss it every day, and it seems even greater with the anniversary here. So close and yet so far.

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How to Be a Better Writer Tip

Follow a format

I like to follow a format when I write. Most writers have a preferred style. Think of your favorite authors. They likely follow a similar format in their books, which is part of why you like them. You kind of know what to expect, and you like entering the worlds they create.

You can do the same thing with whatever you write. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel for every work email or blog post. In fact, readers like things to be the same. (Think of yourself and your preferences.) It’s easier to find what we need if we know where to look.

That’s not to say you can’t or shouldn’t shake things up from time to time. Changing things up can help spark newness in your writing and open you to ideas and techniques that can become your own.

But following a tried-and-true format can help keep you on track and ensure you include everything you need to in your business report or your news release.

Do you usually follow a format when you write? Share in the comments.