Why I Write

The other day, I was feeling off-kilter and didn’t know why. My emotions were all out of whack, and my thoughts had become dangerously irrational. To process, I went for a walk and turned to the only activity that makes sense when all seems lost:

Writing.

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The sun began to set, and the darkness of twilight crept in, but I continued to write, oblivious of my surroundings. Scribbling and scratching until I could no longer see the notebook in front of me, I journaled for over an hour.

Which reminded of why I write at all.

I write to express. I feel like myself when I’m writing. I write not for the purpose of being published or the intention of being read, but for the thrill of putting pen to paper. I write for love of the craft, for the sake of writing itself.

I write to understand. I do not write because all the answers are in my possession. I write for the same reason Flannery O’Connor did — because I don’t know what I think until it is written. Because by writing, I am able to see things more clearly.

I write to remember. Writing lets me grasp life in ways that would otherwise escape me. It helps me connect with God and the universe and reminds that I’m still breathing and there’s a reason why.

So today, I am grateful for this gift of expression that helps me better understand my thoughts and remember that I am alive.

I write because I can’t imagine not doing so. Because in writing, I become a little bit more of myself.

Why do you write?

I asked some folks on Twitter the reasons they wrote, and here were some of my favorites:

@JeffGoins I write because I can't paint my imagination with anything but words.

— Narrative Designer (@StephenDinehart) December 12, 2013

@derekhalpern @JeffGoins I write because I love to communicate with people.

— Kathleen Thompson (@KThompsonSings) December 12, 2013

@JeffGoins I write because a message has to escape

— Michael Lukaszewski (@mlukaszewski) December 12, 2013

@JeffGoins I've tried to give up writing, it didn't work. #onceawriteralwaysawriter

— Tracy Line (@thewritertracy) December 12, 2013

@JeffGoins I write as a creative outlet. Much nicer to share your thoughts with others than keep them locked up in your brain.

— Margaret Bourne (@GosiaBourne) December 12, 2013

I’d love to invite you into the discussion…

Why do you write? Share in the comments.

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