#WhyIWrite

On this National Day on Writing folks are asked to ponder and share why they write. For several years I have dutifully written my post and worn my #WhyIWrite t-shirt. This year I found myself blessed spending time with one of my children running errands, prepping dinner, and organizing a closet not sitting down to write, but all day long I pondered the question: Why do I write?

I write for many reasons. I write to record events I want to document and share with my children. I write to capture how I feel about what I read, and I read a lot! It is funny when I attend book club meetings, and I realize I forgot some main points I wanted to share! I decided that it was better if I made notes to myself to make sure I could share what I thought or questioned or just wanted to share with my friends. Sometimes I record new words I learned from the book. At other times I write lists and record all kinds of things most especially what I read! I like going back at the end of the year and reading the titles of books I enjoyed throughout the year.

There are times when I write to explore and understand myself. This has been accomplished (at least monthly) through my being part of the writing group, Story Exploratory. Every month our lead explorer has exercises for us to work through that help us explore who we are through our writing. It is one of the most engaging experiences I get to be part of with others seeking the same thing. I have learned that I feel it is my calling to record our family's history, and I am working on it! I hope that helps me leave my mark on the world.

Writing helps me express myself versus having to verbalize what I have to say (tough conversations, but not always). I find it easier to get my thoughts across to whoever I need to share them with. This year I set out to writing a letter once a week to different friends and family. I did great the first few months of the year, and then I dropped off! I plan to get back on that and carry it into next year because I feel that people enjoy receiving handwritten correspondence especially if they are the focus of the letter. I believe wholeheartedly that we should tell others about the difference they make in our lives and how we appreciate them or how important they are to us.

At the end of the day, I write to document my gratitude. It is another way to go back and read about the things that were going on in my life that I was moved to record as a blessing.

All in all, I write because it has meaning in my life. I hope all of you take time to write in some way that gives you the opportunity to convey your thoughts and feelings. It is a great way to learn about yourself.