Writing

Why do we write?

It seems such a strange question to ask. Yet, I have always felt an urge to write, so to me it is not such a strange question to ask.

I usually write because it forces thoughts, ideas and memories from my head. It also provides relief from the powerful emotions that often attach themselves to these thoughts, ideas and memories. After my writing experience, which can be quick and easy, slow and painful, or somewhere in between, then my mind is clear and my heart is free.

I also write for pleasure. I see a beautiful scene before my eyes, I feel a beautiful feeling within my body or I remember a beautiful memory ... and I know I need to write in order to capture the beauty of the experience. After reading lots of rhyming books with my children, I have these rhyming songs fill my head when I lay in bed attempting sleep. I used to ignore them and think they were silly. Sometimes now though, I write them down and enjoy the surprise of re-reading them the following morning.

Some people like to write for others; some people like to write for themselves; whilst some do not like to write anything at all. My husband is one of the latter. He doesn't even like lists; particularly of the 'to-do' and shopping list variety!

These days I view my writing as history; a kind of history-in-the making. I record my thoughts concerning events that trouble me, that delight me as well as those that change my preconceptions or judgements. I do like to be jolted from my mental comfort zone and be asked to consider an alternative view.

My Grandmother taught me that life is a rich tapestry of stories. I have subsequently learned to cherish my own stories, and therefore my own life. On many occasion I believed my life was not worth living; I could not see my place in or value to the world. My early teenage diaries document my confusion about and frustration with the world around me. However, now I tend to view those few moments of fear, hopelessness and also faith as such -- moments. I do not allow them to be so life consuming or blinding.

It is such a blessing to have learned such a simple lesson of how to love and cherish your own life. I know that writing has saved my life and continues to enhance the way I live.

Bless all of you. ❤❤❤