Writing. We all have to do it. We do it for class if we have an assignment, like a research paper or an essay exam. We do it when we apply for jobs and need a cover letter or personal statement. On a more immediate level, we also do it in daily correspondence with friends, family, professors, or employers – we type out texts, shoot quick e-mails, and even write short paragraphs when we tweet or update our Facebook statuses. But what about doing it for fun? What about doing it to pass the time, or for personal fulfillment? I love writing, and I do it often, going beyond what I have to do on a daily basis. Even though writing can seem tedious, there are plenty of reasons why writing is one of my favorite hobbies and why it should be one of yours, too!
1. Writing allows you to be creative
The first and most obvious reason of why I love writing and why you should too is that it allows your creativity to shine through your words and expressions. Your choice of language and style of writing show a part of you to others or to yourself. You can write the most ridiculous things that your readers would never expect from you. If you’re whatever comes to mind, you could even come up with things that you didn’t know you even had in your imagination! Even if you’re writing for class or for work, you choose how you want to express yourself. There is nothing more liberating than carefully selecting your words in order to fully express what your beliefs, your knowledge, or your creative genius! There is no limit to what you can do or say, and writing allows you to take your thoughts and ideas and put them on paper, which could lead to a masterpiece.
2. Writing is a valuable skill
From the perspective of a professor or an employer, a great writer has the potential to be a great student or employee! Being able to express yourself well is a great skill to have, because it shows that you are able to express yourself confidently and competently. Being confident in your writing or certain aspects of your writing style is a great skill to have and, if it’s something you feel you need to work on, practice makes perfect and you will improve!
3. You can write down any of your ideas and develop them – who knows what will happen!
It’s really satisfying to be able to jot down a few words or notes when you have a good idea. No matter where I am, if something cool or different comes to me, I’ll open Notes in my iPhone and type it in so I have it for later. When an idea strikes you like lightening, writing allows you to run with it. Take these ideas and turn them into something great. How do you think some of the world’s best stories came into existence? They all began with a small idea that was worked on over and over and was turned into something fantastic!
4. Writing can be therapeutic
Sometimes, when I’m having a bad day, I’ll write down everything that happened and my reaction to it. That way, I’m able to clearly see on the page in front of me everything that happened and how I responded to it with a clear and rational view. It’s also great to have a medium for expression – getting a journal does wonders for those of you who like to see order in their day! When I’m frustrated, writing everything down relieves some of that stress. Try it out!
5. Your writing can reach others.
Think about this article: it’s on the Internet for the whole world to see! If you have something you want to say, say it! Write it down! Unless you’re writing something personal, anything that you compose may have the opportunity to reach a wide audience. Things you write don’t always have to be published in a book to gain recognition. The Internet allows for the free exchange of ideas, so your voice can always be heard through what you have to say – or rather, what you have to write.
So, get writing! Be creative! Embrace your inner Shakespeare or your inner JK Rowling, and get to it!