A reason for writing

I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I started with fiction short stories that only young kids could come up with and somewhere down the line my style morphed into nonfiction creative writing and journalism. While sometimes I write because my profession demands it, that's not the only thing that leads me to pick up a pen.

I write for peace. When I get overwhelmed by the world around me, it helps to zone out and pour my thoughts onto a page. By focusing on one specific topic and exploring where my mind goes in the process, I don't worry so much about the other stressors in my life.

I write to communicate. I'm a huge advocate for open communication, and fully believe that engaging with others and getting to know them can be the foundation of a strong relationship. While I can't easily listen to others through writing, it does help me connect with others. Writing allows me to share parts of myself that aren't always apparent, and I've found that I even learn more about myself every time I write. Every time I read a peace of someone else's writing, I learn something new about them.

I write for release. When I feel helpless, writing allows me to form my unorganized thoughts into clear ideas. When the troubles of the world around me feel like more than I can handle, I can put a pen to paper and get to the heart of what it means to me and what I can do about it. Writing allows me to feel connected to issues, even if they're much larger than myself.

I write because I love it. I always have, even in second and third grade when I was still figuring out the difference between "q" and "p." Writing has always been truly fun for me, even when it's work. It's a creative outlet unlike anything else I've tried, and it's wonderful to reflect on months or years later, even if I never shared it with anyone else. Every time I look back on my old writing, I'm reminded of who I used to be, where I came from and how I've grown.

I write because someone has to. I'm thankful for artists of all varieties, but I love the opportunity to create meaning through language, and I hope I never give it up, even if the medium changes.