To write is truly a gift.
Not in the sense that writers are just gifted or talented, but what writing gives to an individual.
I think it is underrated and underappreciated the power that comes with writing. It doesn’t matter whether you or anyone else thinks you can write because writing serves a much higher purpose.
I want to share some of the things writing has blessed me with.
7. How to deal with criticism and rejection
Rejection sucks. It is as simple as that. It sucks in love and it sucks in life. No one likes to be denied or feel unworthy or as though everything they’ve put all their time and energy into was a waste. Writing has developed my initial reaction to criticism and rejection into grace. I can practice gratitude and humility–two qualities that make for an endearing personality.
6. Patience
Writing is upsettingly defeating at times and I lose inspiration, but through my years writing I have practiced patience–a quality that has been difficult for me to master. It also helps me make tough decisions by laying out my options–the good and the bad–so I can come to a wise conclusion. It is easy to get lost in my head that is crowded with many other aspects of life and make a decision on whim and emotion, but to calmly analyze what is concrete is more productive. This teaches me better judgment and well, patience, making my life a lot easier.
5. A voice
A main goal for a writer is to develop their voice. A voice is what makes a writer unique and yet familiar to his or her audience. It is the writer’s way of saying what needs to be said that is unlike any other. It makes the writer authentic, original, a stand out. It tends to just happen naturally and with practice, but once it is discovered it is a comforting accomplishment. I can let my guard down and be honest, not only on paper, but in my everyday life as well. It increases confidence because I know where I stand and I’m not afraid of what people think. I can be as sane or as crazy as I need. I know how to express myself because I am aware of what I need to say and how to say it.
4. Passion
If you want to know what your life calling is, find your passion. This is something all our years of schooling seem to overlook. We cannot truly succeed or be happy without passion. Everyone should find something they are and always will be excited by, something they always find themselves returning to even if they lose sight of it at times. Writing is exactly that for me. It gives meaning to my time, something to focus on and work towards. I will always advocate pursuing our passions over pursuing money or fame because when we devote ourselves to what we love, we tend to produce better work, and with that comes the success and happiness. We are curious about our passion and so we cultivate our minds because we want to learn, accomplish our goals, excel in whatever it is, and so we do and we do so willingly and with confidence. This is how we reach true success because success is determined by so much more than a dollar amount.
3. Freedom
Freedom from life, others, myself…writing brings me a great deal of peace. Not only is it a stress reliever, a place to escape, but it provides me with clarity. This clarity has been incredibly liberating. I simplify the way I think and react. I better comprehend life and all its uncertainties. I quiet the voices in my head and work through anything life throws at me in a productive and honest way; I can vent my anger, grief, frustration, joy. Everything eventually clicks, adds up, and makes a little more sense. I feel a weight lift off my shoulders and in times of trouble, this is all I really want or need. I’m capable of evaluating situations from different perspectives and to think clearly, rationally, and control my emotions. This not only makes my writing stronger, but creates harmony in my life; it’s therapeutic to say the least.
2. A sense of self
When we write, we get a sense of identity. Writing through any hardships, accomplishments, confusions, emotions or thoughts that are occupying my mind is a beneficial way to get a grasp on that which I truly am. I can physically see the way I am thinking or feeling or rationalizing a situation and get to know myself better. I investigate my beliefs, morals, preferences, which result in the discovery of something inside myself I may not have realized was there. It isn’t always pleasant, it can be painful, but self-observation leads to a realization of self-change which leads to self-acceptance. Aristotle put it simply, “knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom,” and I choose wisdom over ignorance any day.
1. A sense of purpose
This is the thing writing has given me that I am the most grateful for. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to teach, inspire, and change the world even in the smallest of ways. When we write and let others read what we have written, we give our readers something tangible to relate to; we give them a sense of security to know they’re not alone in this life. When strangers share their stories and appreciation, it is one of the most rewarding and motivational feelings – it is what drives writers to continue on. To create meaning not only for ourselves, but more importantly for others, is truly a remarkable and invaluable gift to this world.
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