We tell ourselves stories in order to live.
-Joan Didion
I have been asked over and again, why do I write.
Well, I write because writing changes my life.
I have not come across a writer (who has written long enough) whose life hasn’t influenced his/her writing. We draw and express heavily from the angst and joy in our past journey and present moments. That’s just the way it is, I truly believe, with every writer. You cut snippets of your own life story and memories, recreate them, breathe into the lifeless form and hope the imaginary creature lives.
That itself – life influencing writing – isn’t the miracle of writing, though. That isn’t the key to the door that keeps so many of us in it.
The secret is this. If you put your whole heart into writing, it will surely change your life and influence the way you visualise the world more than your life experiences will ever influence your writing.
I’m sure, you’re aching to know how writing has influenced my life.
Honestly, in a zillion little ways, and some super huge ways too. I would never have survived some of the turbulent times, if not for writing. Because through writing, I have discovered faith and strength to accept reality and move on.
There was once, I had forgotten that there’s a reason for everything that happened; that there’s both purpose and meaning in life; that there’s always a choice to turn incidences for our advantage; that smooth-sailings do not mill us to be stronger but perfect storms do. I was reminded of these things because I was writing them, and finally I felt the truth from relating to them.
Writing is a fiery passion that burns inside of you, and consumes you from inside out. Every word and every effort put into your writing, you’ll get back a hundred-fold of self-development as it refines you the way fire refines gold. It teaches you how to live, how to love and sometimes how to let go.
For me personally… when I write, I’m giving a gift to myself. A hope that in some ways, changes my life for the better. So that I can continue touching hearts and en(reach)ing lives.
That’s the simple reason I write.
So why do you write?
This week, we’re hanging out at yeah write with other amazing writers. Check them out!
en(reach)ing lives